2010

You know, even as the year draws to a close, we always look back and think of what we have done in this past year and what we hope to accomplish in the next year. But how many times have we thought about what we have NOT done which we should have?

Looking back at the year 2010, its been difficult for me. There have been many changes and to be entirely truthful, disappointments. To me, 2010 was a year filled with disappointments more than happiness. Thats not to say that I didn't have wonderful times in the year, it is just to say that those disappointments are what has impacted me throughout this whole year. Sometimes, I wonder, what have I done in this year that defines who I am and what I am to become? I sometimes find myself asking, "Who is Jonathan?" Sometimes I feel like I have been doing too many things at one time that I have not properly examined who I really am.

As said earlier, 2010 was disappointing to me. I found myself wanting to just escape it all and just give it all up. (Am I going through depression? o.o) But, after spending the last few days in reflection and thought looking back through the year, I have seen something which truly encourages me. Every single time that I fall down, every single mistake, every disappointment, big or small, I now see that God is with me. I know some of you may ask, "How do you know? Does God really exist?" Well, say as you might, but to me, He is as real as can be. The God whom I believe in, Yahweh, is real. I have seen God's hand picking me up at times when I really felt down, when I felt there was no one there, yet God has always been there to me. It amazes me that I have been able to pick myself up time and time again. It once again serves to show me that God is always there for me, whether I realize it or not, and that He is watching over me each and every day of my life. This is not to say that I won't face anymore disappointments, no. Disappointments and discouragements will still come regardless of circumstance. But I know that I can always trust in God to pick me up and be by my side no matter how hard I fall. In Him I have found peace and encouragement.

As the Psalmist says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" - Psalms 23:4
So to does Jeremiah, who says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

There are many more verses that I could quote which have served to be my encouragement and hope in times when I feel down but I feel that you get a sense of what I am saying. You guys may have your opinions on whether God is real, yada yada. But to me, He is so real and truly, He is God everlasting. I end here with a final verse and a song:

"For God so loved that world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillip, Craig, and Dean

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

Bridge:

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

All Bible verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).