The approaching of a New Year is an excellent opportunity to review our year, goals, dreams and God's promises to us and then delegate some time in our schedules to seek God's wisdom and plans for the New Year. It's important not to miss the opportunity to take some time alone with God for reflection, listening, prayer, and planning.
Many people spend most of their time and effort working on externals, such as their physical appearance or a new job, home, course of study or interest. But to see genuine change and growth and enter into all that God created us to be, we must also work on our inner world.
What we believe in our heart determines our life. Friends, career, behaviour, family, and values-all stem from what we believe. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he". (Proverbs 23:7)
If we want to begin the New Year well, then check-in on what you believe and ensure you are thinking right. The one thing that is paramount to building a foundation for our peace and happiness for the future is the understanding that Jesus came to give and reveal abundant life and the devil came to steal it. (John 10:10) Jesus is not out to harm us, but instead, He is chasing after us to bring into our lives His goodness, love and mercy (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 23:6).
Today I encourage you to plan in some alone time with Jesus and to sort through your inner world so you can begin the New Year fresh and ready for a new challenge and to see the fulfilment of your goals and Gods plan for your life. Don't drag the negatives or unnecessary excess weight of this year into the new. God is good, and His mercies are new every morning, and He has incredible things planned for each one of us, and regardless of the year you may have had, He wants you to expect and believe for better things ahead.
Prayer: Jesus, please help me take the time to reflect, learn from and sort through all the circumstances and events of this past year. Thank you for the blessings of the highlights and for walking with me through the low times. I'm looking forward to better days ahead. In Jesus name Amen.