New Year’s Resolution or Revelation?
Happy New Year! 🎉
Here we are at the beginning of a new year. If you're anything like me, this is one of your favorite times of year because it’s full of potential. It’s traditionally a time of optimism and hope, holding the promise of dreams fulfilled and the opportunity for growth and success.
That’s the reason most of us keep making new year’s resolutions - we are really, really hoping for a better year! 🙏🏼 A year when we have clarity about our goals, and the resources and endurance to actually reach them. Whether that be in our bodies, finances, businesses, or in our spiritual walk with the Lord.
SMART goals. Daily planners. A word for the year. Vision boards.
I have used each of these strategies more than once to move into my next “best” year. And while I can’t say every year has been better than the last, or that I’ve accomplished everything I’d hoped to, they did help keep me focused and moving forward in faith. Plus, I find them interesting and fun. That’s just how I roll… ;-)
But you might avoid these things like the plague.
The new year may not be your favorite time of year at all. Either because circumstances have left you stuck in a tough place, with little faith to believe for a better year; or because you’ve failed to meet your goals in the past. Perhaps you feel completely overwhelmed by what this year might bring, and you don’t even know where to begin.
Wherever you land on this spectrum, chances are you’ll have to navigate a busy calendar and competing priorities this year. And whether you choose to plan or not, you will end up “somewhere” at the end of this year. But is that “somewhere” where you really want to be?
Without a doubt, if we fail to plan for our ideal “somewhere,” we may end up “anywhere.” And often “anywhere” is not where we want to be at all, as Lewis Carroll so eloquently illustrates in the clever tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
Well, I want to remind you that God cares where you are right now, and where you end up this year.
Are you anxious and overwhelmed? Do you struggle to find peace in God? Feeling out of balance and out of shape? Here’s a 21 day devotional that will begin your journey to greater peace and wellbeing. Check out Breath of Life: Living God’s Promise of Peace in the 7 Dimensions of Wellness.
So while planners and journals and vision boards and words can be helpful to bring clarity and accountability, it’s important to consult with God first. What is His best for this year? Where is the “somewhere” He wants to take you?
Most self-improvement gurus will tell you that creating an actionable plan is the missing link in achieving your new year’s resolutions. But I say as a child of God, deeply loved and created in His image and for His Good purposes, He is the missing link. Vision is great, but God’s vision is best. So let’s include Him in our planning. Let’s seek His best and make sure our priorities are in proper order before we attempt to set goals and fill up our calendar with tasks and projects.
There is a common principle used by fitness professionals that proves to be a great metaphor for this new year: we must straighten before we strengthen.
All movement originates from a base of alignment, which is why it’s common to assess a person’s balance before introducing strength bearing exercises. This determines if there are significant dysfunctions that need to be addressed first. In a similar manner, we must evaluate our current base of alignment to make sure we are operating from a stable foundation. Positioned to grow in areas that matter in this next season. We need to be honest with ourselves and determine if there are any dysfunctions that must be dealt with.
So instead of choosing a focus word for the year, how about scheduling in regular times of stillness with God in order to receive a fresh word from Him? A spirit–inspired revelation for this year that will propel you forward with clarity and God-given power!
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One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is through two-way journaling. Grab a journal, carve out quiet time regularly (you can start with just 15 minutes), and write to the Lord what’s on your heart. Your questions, concerns, dreams, and ideas. Then wait and listen. Write what you hear from Him. He will speak to you.
Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Personally, I haven’t done a special word for awhile, and it’s not because I don’t think there is value in that practice. I know it works for many people. But in this season, I have found one word that naturally aligns with every goal, plan, and agenda. Every year.
Trust.
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
My prayer for you: Lord, bless each person reading this. Help them to seek you daily with their plans, agendas, and to-do lists. As they seek Your will for this year, give them ears to hear your voice, and eyes to see where you are directing them. Help them wait patiently when you call them to wait, and give them wisdom to know when it’s time to step out in faith. Above all, may they experience the abundant blessings found in you alone. Keep them close to you and help them find and embrace your will in this current season. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!
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Breath of Life: Living God’s Peace in the 7 Dimensions of Wellness
No one is immune to the stresses of daily life. The unrelenting demands of work, home, finances, and relationships can be overwhelming and can have a serious effect on our health and well-being. If we let it. Yet, in the midst of all the chatter, chaos, and clutter, God’s still, small voice calls out to us to choose a better way. A way of peace and greater well-being.
Breath of Life is an insightful twenty-one-day devotional designed to appeal to the busy person. Join the journey, and discover a balanced, whole-being approach to wellness that is centered on the spirit-breathed Word of God. Inspiring and practical, each daily devotional explores one of the seven dimensions of wellness that contribute to optimal well-being and presents a My Daily Breath section that includes one or more of the following:
•A song recommendation for inspiration
•A verse for meditation
•A question for reflection
•A tool for practical application
God’s promise of peace is available to us all. We only need to slow down, pursue Him, and breathe deep.
