With a new year brings time to reflect on the past year. Last year was a trying year. There was times I wanted to throw my hands up and say "Lord, I can't take any more!" and then the Holy Spirit would remind me that God will never give us more than we can bear and that we walk through the fire to be tried and tested and to come out on the other side more refined. Just like a precious metal is heated and molded, sometimes the trails of life are God molding us into His image.
So as I look back over 2012 and I see the things God has brought me through and is continuing to bring me through, I can't help but think what could I have done more for God. Sure, I could have read my Bible more, spent more time in prayer, and letting God's light shine through me. I look at my family and think did I teach my kids how to love God and show them that when things get tough you still stand for God. I know I am not perfect but I want to lead my kids by example and show them how to live a Godly life. Through out all the trails of last year, did I show my children that no matter what happens you still press through, leaning on God and give Him all the Glory! I hope I did.
As I look towards this year, I want to be a better mom to my kids, a better wife to my husband and to get closer to God. Yes, I know those are cliche things to say but I really do want those things. This year I want to become a better worshiper. Here I am a choir director at my church. I sometimes fill in on the "Praise Team" and I feel like my worship to God is so inadequate. When we give God praise, He delights in that. God inhabits the praises of His people. When you enter into worship, you can enter into the presence of God. There is nothing like being in the presence of God.
Sometimes music expresses my thoughts so much better than I can. It can express what I can't put into words to express. One of my favorite praise and worship groups is Christ for the Nations. I love so many of their songs because they do just that, they express what I want to say. One of those songs is called Alabaster Jar. I love this song! I think I am going to make it my motto for 2013.
Here are the lyrics to this awesome song.
Verse 1:
This alabaster jar
is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
and the fullness of my joy!
PreChorus:
Like You spilled Your blood,
I spill my heart as an offering
to my King.
Chorus:
Here I am, take me
As an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat
For Your glory take me.
Verse 2:
The time that I have left
is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
And though I've little strength
And though my days are few,
You gave Your life for me
So, I will live my life for You.
Bridge:
Worthy, Worthy
You are worthy
Worthy is the Lord.
