Here I Am
Each year, I tend to steer clear of New Year’s and its noise. There can be so much pressure. The rigid resolutions that have us quietly measure ourselves, expectations to get back to “normal” after a busy holiday season, and reflections on the past year, both good and bad. Perhaps there is pressure to do all of this before we are ready, so what is meant to feel fresh can actually feel heavy.
This new year, how can we loosen our grip on our own resolutions and make room to hear God’s voice more clearly?
I have begun to see January as a time for deep rest and restoration. This is a time to make fewer plans, to try new nourishing recipes, and to enjoy the blessings of a quiet life. The quiet is holy, inviting God in closely. The quiet invites us to dream, listen, and believe in what God is calling us toward for His glory.
When we hear His calling, how will we respond?
In the Bible, we see multiple instances of people responding to God’s call with the Hebrew word, “hineni.” The word hineni (pronounced hee-NEH-nee) most closely translates to “Here I Am” in English. In Exodus 3, Moses is shepherding his father-in-law’s flock in Midian. The angel of the Lord appears to him in a flame of fire in a bush, but the bush is not consumed. Moses walks toward the bush. Then God called to him, “Moses, Moses!” Moses responds, “Here I am (hineni).”
Moses walked toward the fire. His response of hineni is one of faith, open to whatever God may say or ask of him. Hineni is our declaration of availability and readiness to follow God’s call.
At this time in life, Moses is a humble shepherd, but God called him by name. He is 80 years old, but God has placed an important task before him. We cannot let our circumstances or excuses hinder our response to God’s calling. Do you ever feel this way? Too inexperienced or too set in our ways. Too young or too old.
I admit that I have felt this way. It took me too long to step into the calling of sharing Every Morning publicly. I believed I was too inexperienced or lacking in one way or another. Surely, Moses doubted himself as well. He asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He asks God, “What if they won’t believe me?” God already has the answers for Moses and equips him with all he needs to move forward.
Despite the questions in his heart, Moses gave God his yes, and fulfilled God’s call on his life. Do not let this year pass without creating space to hear from God and declaring, “Here I am.” Bring Him your yes. Let us put aside our own plans and resolutions to boldly follow Him where He is leading. If He is calling you, He will equip you. You are ready. Hineni.
