I am blessed this year to know God’s peace and hope and a sense of excitement at what the year will hold.  I don’t know why – I just feel as if I am on the threshold of new things, adventures, and they are good.  But not every year is like this; and maybe for some of you this year is not.  So today I share with you a psalm that I wrote at the beginning of one such year that was not so hopeful.  I do not remember which year it was.  I do not remember the circumstances when I wrote, although one or two years stand out as possibilities.  But God was there – waiting for me to put my hand in His and move forward with me into whatever that year held.  He is waiting for you too.  I pray that this psalm may help you to put your hand in His and step into your new year, whatever your circumstances may be.  May God’s peace and presence be with you throughout the coming year.

A Psalm for a new year

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.  John 14:6

Where are you, Lord when my world is coloured grey?

What happens to the joy when mists blow cold and life seems muffled and removed?

What song is this I hear – this dull, heavy beating of my heart?

When did this stifling cloud of despair creep in and claim me as its own?

Which way is up, from the still dark depths of the night?

How will I find my way home towards the light of Life and Love?

Who will hold my hand – who kindly draw me into the warmth of sunlight

And the golden hues of life and joy?

Who? Who? Why, who but the Son Himself?

Waiting with arms outstretched for me to turn and whisper His Name

As I fall to my knees and cry from the depths of my soul,

‘No more, Lord.  I can go no further.  This is the end.’

And hear Him breathe into my very spirit,

‘But I can go on, dear Child, and I will carry you beyond,

Beyond the mists and grey, beyond the dull thudding of your heart

To Life, where vibrant colours glow,

Where hearts sing, where light is crystal clear.

Will you walk with me?’

And as I stretch out my trembling hand and sob my consent

I feel His hand take mine, and tingling Life seeps slowly into me;

The mists disperse softly, melting away in the warmth of His breath

And Light paints my world with colour;

And gently, the rhythm of my heart picks up the beat of the Song of Life

And peace and joy return.

He, He is the answer to my despair.

I was too busy to hear His voice in the cacophony of life.

Only when I stopped did that small voice break through and whisper in my heart

‘Beloved’ … and I know again I am loved.

My heart now leaps with joy at the love of my King.

Restored, refreshed, renewed, reborn into Life,

I celebrate my God and King,

Jesus Christ, my Healer and my Lord!