”And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38
No life goes fully and completely according to plan.
“The heart of a man plans his way, the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Likely, Anna did not expect to be left a widow.
When the established steps of the Lord lead us down a way we had not planned, how quickly we are tempted toward anger, anxiety, and wondering if anything truly matters.
Perhaps Anna had planned - maybe even assumed? - a long life with her husband, growing old as they raised children, celebrating as those children had children. But it was the Lord who established other steps in the life of this prophetess. In the midst of an unexpected story, she gives herself to constant prayer and worship in the temple. She draws near to God, and He draws near to her. This Lord-directed path brings Anna face-to-face with the Savior, the Rescuer, the Redeemer of her soul and her story.
As we enter a new calendar year, and plan our steps, may we with joy receive the Lord-directed path. And may our lives be marked by constant prayer, deep devotion, private worship, and public praise.