Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024
As we have entered a new year I am going to share a little about what God is showing me for this upcoming year. While I believe it’s important to seek God every day for what He is saying and what He is wanting us to do, there is something special about seeking Him for that thing that will become a reference point for a whole year. It’s also amazing to see the fulfillment of that word or the role that the scripture plays in our year. I refer back to these things numerous times throughout the year and it’s always encouraging to see how they intertwine into various situations. It’s always another way to build our faith and to give our soul something to stand on when the going gets tough.
The scripture God gave me is Psalm 61:8:
8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may daily perform my vows.
The word vow here in the original Hebrew (Strong’s) means a promise (to God). This is quite broad and could refer to different things for each of us. Some of the things that come to mind for me would be: seeking God above everything else, not allowing fear to run my life, being the parent my children need, being the best helpmate I can to my husband, living in and expressing the fruits of the spirit, learning to put my full faith and trust in God, and taking time to rest in God so that I have all the energy I need to do these things. This verse is saying that the only way for us to daily fulfill all of our promises to God is to sing praise to Him. In a handful of words this scripture is showing us that the key to living out God’s best for us is to simply praise Him. It’s not working harder, smarter, or longer. It’s not a 3-step process or a 5-day detox. It’s not about us ordering our days or fulfilling our checklist. It’s found in the simplicity of praising our God and Savior.
Praise in the original Hebrew (Strong’s) means to make music and to celebrate in song and music. Something always shifts in my atmosphere when I can turn on some worship music and sing from the depths of my heart. And to be honest, in the last few months God has been showing me the power of shutting off the music and singing the song that He puts on my heart. It is an instant invitation to a new level of Holy Spirit’s presence. Sometimes I sing in tongues and sometimes God puts words on my heart that I sing out over and over. Sometimes I just tell Him how worthy He is and how grateful I am to be His.
Final Thoughts…
As I was studying this scripture, I realized how incredible all of Psalm 61 is, so I am going to post it here in The Passion Translation (TPT). I’m starting to believe this whole chapter might be a valuable reference and declaration for all of 2024.
1O God, hear my prayer. Listen to my heart’s cry.
2For no matter where I am, even when I’m far from home, I will cry out to you for a father’s help. When I’m feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered.
3Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me. You lift me high above the fray. None of my foes can touch me when I’m held firmly in your wraparound presence!
4Keep me in this glory. Let me live continually under your splendor-shadow, hiding my life in you forever. Pause in his presence
5You have heard my sweet resolutions to love and serve you, for I am your beloved. And you have given me an inheritance of rich treasures, which you give to all your devoted lovers.
6You treat me like a king, giving me a full and abundant life, years and years of reigning, like many generations rolled into one.
7I will live enthroned with you forever! Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love. Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before you.
8And my praises will fill the heavens forever, fulfilling my vow to make every day a love-gift to you!