Friday, January 01, 2010

Another Year is Dawning


Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.



~Francis R. Havergal (1836-1879)


This is my prayer for you, my dear friends, and for me for 2010. I wish when saying "another year" that it meant that in 2009 I did praise Him and lean upon His breast as I should have. I wish it meant that during the year just past, I did have gladness in the shining of His face, or that it was a year of trusting, of quiet and happy rest in Him. Unfortunately, I fear that just wasn't always the case. You probably have the same sense of having fallen short. But that doesn't mean that we all can't strive for these things in this new year. Let's strive together, shall we? Let's remember a precious promise from His Word this year:

". . . and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Deut. 33:25

So, I'm praying for more strength to live for Christ as I know He wants me to. Hope you'll join me in praying the same prayer. It's what we all need. It's what our children need and our grandchildren. And it's also what our country needs. Maybe the Lord will be merciful and do a work in us all. God bless each of you and may your new year indeed be blessed in Him.

14 comments:

~~Deby said...

Joining with you ..in prayer for so many things for this new year, Maxine...
God is ABLE...

Susan said...

Our your post states all the desires of my heart, Maxine. Yes, we always need to keep pressing in and pushing forward in our walk with Him. Happy New Year to you my dear friend.
Susan

Sandra said...

Yes Maxine, I agree we will have to learn to trust Him more and more in the days coming. I join in prayer for all believers to grow closer and those that aren't believers will see our hope and want to join us. Blessings my Friend for the new year.

Sandra

Linda said...

I love everything you've said Maxine. I, too, have regrets for not having done everything well, but the Lord keeps whispering, "I am doing something new..." How I want that in my life.
Happy New Year dear friend.

Laurie said...

Your post is such an encouragement, Maxine, and I do join you in prayer to live for Him more and more each day. He has shown me that this is to be my focus this year, and He promises me this in the verse He gave me when I became Christian: "...being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6

LisaShaw said...

Amen Maxine. Standing in prayer with you.

I pray a beautiful and JESUS filled New Year with you and your family dear friend.

Blessings and hugs to you and Happy New Year!

Denise said...

Prayer changes things! Praying with you for a New Year filled with HIM.

Joyfulsister said...

Happy New Year Sis...
I join in prayer with you in this prayer, may it become all of ours as well. What a journey huh!!! Well The best is yet to come and I wish you that your heart dewsires according to the will of our Lord and precious Jesus.

Luv Ya Lorie

Cathy said...

That is very beautiful, Maxine, thank you.

Brenda said...

I'm in agreement with you Maxine.
Be so blessed in 2010!

Baptist Girl said...

All the best to your family and you dear lady.

Susan Skitt said...

It is His strength that sees us through and leads us on each and every day. Blessings to you dear friend!

Debra said...

Joining with you in prayer Maxine. Yes! Let us strive together! Happy new year blessings!

Anonymous said...

Amazing as always