Isaiah: 57:15
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”
Have you ever looked back on the year you just experienced and characterized it as a “detour”? The following definition aptly describes my situation of the last twelve months: “a deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure.” Little did I know that 2025 would take me on a different course, one that was unfamiliar, loaded with potholes, dead ends, and much uncertainty. At times, I felt the need for special headlights to make a way through the brain fog that clouded my days.
The original intention in choosing the word “Focus” for 2025 was to have a clear vision and seek guidance on how to be intentional in working on specific goals for the new year. Fresh off a study of Revelation, my primary focus was to keep my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, trusting Him as I navigated the path to publishing a devotional book. God, in His sovereign wisdom, had other plans. He knew that “focus” on Him alone would be vital as I navigated a detour—physical pain. Focusing on ordinary things and tasks, especially writing, fell by the wayside. And it was not the time for me to ask, “Why?” It was up to me to trust His timing and purposes. Keeping my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus became my primary goal for each day, and He proved Himself once again to be my lifeline.
As the end of 2025 drew closer, it became clear early in December that my word of the year for 2026 would be “Revive.” I have entered this new year with a bit more strength, a bit less brain fog, and a renewed hope that it will bring a clear turnaround from the detour. The word “Revive” describes what this hoped-for turnaround would encompass: “to bring something back to life, health, or use, or to restore to a previous state of activity; regaining consciousness or strength after a period of inactivity or decline.” With the last twelve months behind me, it is my prayer that, with hope and trust, the Lord will restore me in this season of my life. I leave it in His hands to do the work to “revive” me, but doing my part to regain strength is also essential in these ways:
- Revive my Spirit with repentance, praise, prayer, and more time with God.
- Revive my body by following medical advice, exercising to regain strength, eating better, and resting when needed.
- Revive my purpose by disciplining myself to study and write more.
How thankful I am for our gracious God, who never leaves us or forsakes us when we encounter detours. He teaches us in His Word that He dwells in the hearts of those who are contrite, directs our paths according to His sovereign will, and sometimes allows potholes or fog to divert us for a while. Are you experiencing a detour in your life? Fix your eyes on Jesus, my friend. Let us be faithful followers who trust and obey Him, even when He takes us down the rockiest of paths.
O Father in Heaven, revive us today. Bring us back to fullness in You with our bodies, minds, and spirits. Soften our hearts to be contrite, yielded to Your plan, on whatever path You take us, and we will trust You during the journey and for the ultimate destination. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
