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My word for the year
Thursday, January 7, 2021 by Barbara Higby
Last week I promised I’d share my word for 2021 and I’ve been squirming ever since. I’m so uncomfortable with it I tried to change it. Ready? It’s Laugh. Those who know me best realize this is quite a stretch for a serious-minded woman so I must explain.
The craziness of 2020 dragged us through isolation and deprivations, then added a dose of murder and riots. When the year culminated with fear-mongering political accusations and embarrassing behaviors (on podiums as well as friends’ comments) I struggled.
Peace finally settled my heart when I meditated on the answer to the psalmist’s question, “Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1). I memorized verse 4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” God is not intimidated by rage, abusive power, or Godless policies.
While I felt panic and dread, God laughed. I began to see laughing at earthly threats as the epitome of faith. I can believe all things work together for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28) and confess it, but is my belief so secure I can laugh at calamity?
I want that strength of faith that doesn’t tremble but laughs, confident in God’s control, sovereignty, and plan. Verse 6 says, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” Believing that quiets my heart and puts a smile on my face.
Full disclosure? When I decided this would be my 2021 word, I left my “Holy of Holies” meeting with God with confidence and opened my computer to do some work. It was dead—and I did not laugh. I did not even smile. I panicked. I was sure Ransom Ware had attacked—I feverishly texted my son, repeatedly turned off and restarted my computer, and frantically prayed. My brilliant husband pulled out the plug and put it back in and, voila! It worked. Then I laughed. My hope is that by 2022 I will laugh first!
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
Images from various artists on Pixabay
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