It's a New Year...Time to Look Up!

Shaking off the dust of an old year?

And she smiles at the future.

- Proverbs 31:25

A news commentator recently mentioned how eager she was to "shake the dust of 2023" off her feet as 2024 dawns. For many, this year has been one of unprecedented challenges and sorrow. Most of us will gladly join the symbolic gesture to pitch the baggage of the old year for the chance at a fresh start. 

Yet others look with trepidation to the coming year as storm clouds gather over the nations and America morphs into an unrecognizable and polarized sea of unrest. The air is charged with the collective sense that we are holding our breath for the next blow. What will the new year bring?

Oddly enough, 2023 was one of my best years in recent memory. Never have I been more excited about the future.

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

- Luke 21:28

Anyone who knows our family's story understands our long fight to serve God under trial. This year we emerged from hard battles fought concurrently on different fronts. I awaken each day filled with gratitude for the healing and victory our Savior has won for us. I understand more about His grace and fierce love toward those He calls His own. I feel less worthy to be loved by Him but filled with joy that He calls me His own. 

As the old year winds down, more battles loom on the horizon... as they always will. The fight is not mine, though. A mighty Deliverer is my fortress and shield. God knows what's coming, and He can handle it. He's more than enough: He's truly everything, and He's on the move.

Time to Look Up

If you feel broken and bowed, there is never a better time than today to let the Lord lift those burdens off your tired shoulders. Straighten up, lift your face to heaven, and trust that what you see happening before you is the culmination of history as the Biblical prophecies of old are being fulfilled before your eyes. God is at work in your life. He eagerly awaits the new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells with those who love Him. He is coming back to restore His beloved creation and destroy evil. Until then, life in abundance can begin today in the secret place of your heart, under the safety of His wings.

Want to know more?

If you've never read our story, you can find it here . For a limited time, if you send me an email or write me at Pam Thorson, P.O. Box 42, Kendrick, ID 83537, I'll send you my Caregiver Bundle at no charge. This bundle consists of my first two books, Song in the Night and Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver. Send no money. This is my new year's gift to you.

God's doing amazing things in our world!

For more information on what God is doing in our world today, visit Blood Falls and sign up for my newsletter. Check out the incredible true stories and Biblical research behind my new novel, Blood Falls, at Behind Blood Falls.

Blessings and Happy New Year,

Pam