LET IT HAPPEN

(Post by: Lilly Hobbs) Blogmas Day Thirty 2024

Life has a funny way of just happening, doesn’t it? As I was looking through all of the pictures and videos of memories that are now contained in the year “2024” in my camera roll, I was honestly humbled.

I was humbled by the fact that I hardly planned any of the very best things that happened to me in 2024. From spontaneous coffee dates with dear friends, to bringing Lizzie (our puppy) home, to concerts where we worshiped our hearts out, to getting hired to do a job I absolutely love, to being loved and cared for by a man who is seeking Jesus; I had no control over any of these happenings. I didn’t schedule them at the beginning of the year, I just suddenly found myself in the midst of beautiful moments that have now become beautiful memories.

This realization is challenging me and convicting me in a multitude of new ways today.

For some odd reason, in these couple of days leading up to a new year, we all feel the urgency and the pressure to plan everything we possibly can. Don’t get me wrong, I love planning, and I love organizing, and doing all the things which best prepare me for a brand-new year.

However, maybe you need to hear what the Lord spoke to my heart this morning as I began the day feeling stressed and anxious about being and doing all the things. It’s a little phrase Jesus tells Martha in Luke 10:42… “Only one thing is needful.”

Man, my heart wants to believe that to the point it changes not only my year, but my life. Only one thing, only one person is needful.

Jesus.

Is He my everything? Is He my King? Does He actively reign on the throne of my heart?

I think it is a beautiful thing that the new year arrives and begins in the middle of winter. For winter is the time of year we are invited by nature itself to slow down, to settle our souls, and to find peace and stillness. It is now that we begin the long journey from the cradle to the cross.

Perhaps the world has gotten this new year thing all wrong? Maybe we were never meant to be harried and hurried. Maybe the enemy tricks us into grasping for control when surrender is what will fulfill and satisfy the deepest longings we contain within ourselves.

This journey from the cradle to the cross is one of intentionality, of stillness, of prayer, of worship, of serious community, and consistent ministry. It is the conscious remembering (constantly and consistently) that only one thing is needful.

You and I both know we won’t get to everything on our to do list this year or accomplish every goal we intend to meet. That’s okay.

There’s really only one thing you need this year anyway, and that my friend, is an all-consuming relationship with Jesus. When you get ahold of this Jesus thing, suddenly life becomes centered around surrender and selflessness.

I am truly humbled by the fact that I hardly planned any of the very best things that happened to me in 2024, and I am in awe of the Lord and His goodness because of that.

So, what if you ditched the control you think you have over your own life and simply let life happen and responded in obedience? What if you were surrendered to that degree?

Only one thing is needful. As long as you get that through your head, I promise that at the end of 2025, you will be humbled and in awe of Jesus’ goodness and faithfulness.

Surrender is what allows you to suddenly find yourself in the midst of beautiful moments that eventually become beautiful memories.

Let it happen, Lord. Forever I will follow.