Tuesday, January 5, 2016

More Treasures to Ponder (Part 2)

If you read my last post of 2015, Treasures to Ponder, you may recall that I ended the year encouraging us to ponder treasured memories as did Mary, the mother of Jesus.
If you haven't read that post, go back and read it!

Luke 2:51 "And his mother treasured all these things in her heart."

To the treasures already stored there:
The angel's pronouncement of the miraculous conception,
Jesus birth in Bethlehem,
Announcement of the heavenly host,
And the arrival of the shepherds,
Mary added even more moments to ponder.
The prophetic words of Simeon, "My eyes have seen the Salvation which thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel." (verses 29-35)
The thankful praise of Anna, (verses 36-38)
Jesus' growth in wisdom with the grace of God on Him (verse 40)
His conversations at age 12 with the religious teachers who were amazed at his understanding and his answers (verse 47),
His response to Mary's question, "Son, why have you treated us like this - we've been anxiously looking for you," to which he replied, "Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house?" (verse 49)

Mary's heart must have been full with the treasures of those first 12 years, as she was continually reminded that the future was totally out of her hands and up to God.
Just like ours!
We have memories to treasure, great things God has already done and mysteries we don't understand. Whether walking through the uncertainties of the here and now, or anxiously looking ahead to the perplexities of the future we can pull the treasures out of the memory box and be assured:

1. He is faithful
2. His Word is Truth
3. His will cannot be thwarted
4. God will make a way

Thank you, Father, for the treasured memories.
You have led us, provided for and protected us.
You have carried us through the valley of the shadow of death and have comforted us.
You have given your peace.
Thank you for the power of your forgiveness, your grace, your love.
Make me more like your Son, Jesus.
As we move ahead into this New year, help me whatever the circumstance to reflect the Son!

As you recall your treasured memories what will your prayer be for 2016?

Happy New Year!
May it be filled with many moments to treasure.