Winter reflections
January is a busy time of celebrations. It is the start of a new year, and the month we will hold YEC (Youth Encountering Christ), the BCNE’s winter weekend conference for teens. This month both of these things are on my mind.
Thoughts on YEC
This year we are celebrating forty years of YEC: forty years of teenagers and youth leaders meeting annually in the middle of New England’s winter for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth.
As the YEC prep team began to focus on this year, we talked about numerous places in the Bible where the number 40 is highlighted. I love the way Psalm 40 seems so relevant for this season:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
There are only three verses in Psalm 40, but endless rich lessons to apply.
My favorite band is U2. They cover Psalm 40. Listen and allow the words to linger in your heart and mind as a meditation.
Finally, would you pray for YEC 2021, being held online January 15-17? We are asking God to continue to put a new song of praise in our mouths, so many would place their trust in the Lord.
Thoughts as the calendar turns to 2021
Am I patient with the Lord’s timing? So often I want what I want when I want it. God, forgive me for placing my timing over Yours. Help me learn patience and remember that Your ways are above my ways.
I have hope knowing God hears when I call. Lord, help me live this and share this within my spheres of influence. So many around me do not have an intimate relationship that knows You are always present.
I am undeserving, sinful and selfish. Forgiven, yes – but I must always remember my condition before Christ.
God came into my muck and pulled me out. This still blows my mind. HE came to me. I receive His grace.
He gives me a safe place to settle in Him. Thank you, God, for being my all in all. When the ground is sinking sand, You are my rock. This last year You, oh Lord, have been what I could cling to when it seemed everything was unsure.
He gives me security in my relationship with Him. Thank you, Jesus, for making this possible!
God changed my tune! I am a new creation in Christ. I need to remind myself and live this everyday.
My song is now about Him, not me. Period.
Others around me are watching what and Who I reflect.
Oh, God, I pray they put their trust in YOU!
Allyson Clark serves as Next Generation Co-Director of Youth Ministries at the Baptist Convention of New England.