The end of 2018

Well, the end of 2018 is almost upon us and I look back over the year and see how well I did abiding in His love.

Well, it wasn't easy.  There were times that I couldn't wait to spend time in the word, sitting and soaking in His Presence.  Yet, there were other times that I struggled.  Depression has a way of sneaking back into my life, now and again, and the last thing I want to do is abide.  I would rather go off and have a pity party.  Not cool.  I did find one this different about this year though.  Whenever I would have a bad day and feel the depression creeping in, I would take a stand against this tactic of the enemy.  I wouldn't put up with it.  Before, I would wrangle with depression for a couple of days.  Not this year.  I would recognize it for what it is, and would fight back instead of giving in, waiting for it to pass.  I found success in that this year.  Abiding helped.  I grew stronger.  I grew closer.  I am on a journey from hell to heaven.  It doesn't get any better than that.

In this day and age of 'me first', life can get quite frustrating....if you let it.  Spending time with God is never wasted....ever.  The more time you spend with Him, the more you get to know Him and the more He has an impact on Your life.  I know this to be true.  The words from Amazing Grace, "I once was lost, but now am found, 'twas blind but now I see" are so true.

I think back to the dark days of my life and that is somewhere that I never, ever want to go again.  I never had any joy, just hopelessness.  But, in a split second, He removed that hopelessness and restored by hope and my joy.  I am still on a journey and I have not arrived yet...but I am not where I used to be.  That is a good thing.  I look forward to what He has in store for me next.

It's the end of 2018, but it's not the end of abiding in His Presence and His Love.