I’ve been talking to one of our kids recently about the importance of taking some time to reflect on the year, see where they have had significant wins, achieved their goals and what and who they can be thankful for over the past twelve months.
Most of us can find it difficult to slow down long enough to reflect, refocus and clarify so that we can take steps forward, but without the necessary reflection time, we can simply go from one thing to the next and allow another week, month, and new year to roll around.
The danger, however, is that when we do that, we end up working to exist rather than living with a purpose.
My advice to prevent this not living with purpose and simply existing is to take time during the holiday season, if even for a day, to allow the hopes and dreams that God has placed inside each one of us to “bubble up”.
Because what he has planted within our hearts and minds is designed to bear fruit if we give it space and time to breath and resist the temptation to push our desires and thoughts aside because we are busy or our hearts and minds have become cluttered and distracted with other things.
Opportunities and ideas will come our way, but it’s important to learn to discern between what is a simply a good idea and a God idea. Some things look good, but they aren’t necessarily God opportunities because, on reflection and clarification, they don’t move us closer to fulfilling our goals and purpose or to knowing ourselves and Jesus more. They may be good, but they don’t have that God’s favour and direction for me now on them.
Whereas when it’s a God idea, even if it may stretch us, it is always good, and there is both an open door, ease and alignment with God and his word that lets you know He is directing and leading you in the way to go.
Today allow the plans and purposes of God for your life to bubble up as you take the time to reflect, give thanks and clarify what and where it is that he is calling you to walk in. He promises that he will guide and direct your steps and show you the way to go.
“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all the good things in my life. Please cause the things that you desire me to walk in to bubble up in my heart and mind so that I can continue to walk in your perfect will for my life. In Jesus name Amen.