It is a new year. It is a fresh start. It can be filled with hopes and dreams or fears.
How are you approaching the New Year? Do you have expectations or resolutions? Are you fearful?
A few years ago, I switched the way I looked at the New Year. It seems that I am not very good at keeping New Year’s Resolutions and expectations leave me disappointed. How about you?
Something that has worked better for me is allowing God to show me a theme, verse, and hymn for the year. Joy is the theme that I carry with me (and throughout my home). In January, I ask God to show me a theme to focus on for the year. Usually a verse and hymn come along with it. These things help me keep my focus on God throughout the year. Psalm 16:8-9, “8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
Another thing that I like to do is keep a yearly goal, or several. Financial, physical, spiritual goals help keep me pressing forward throughout the year. I find that I need something to work toward and not look back on past failures. Philippians 3:14, “14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
As for expectations, I am finding that I must leave those in God’s capable hands. The fun of chronic illness is that disappointment comes with even the best-laid plans. It reminds me of Proverbs 16:9, “9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” His plan is much better!
How about you? What do you do as you approach a New Year? We would love for you to share.
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