Going into a new calendar year can be both exciting and daunting.
It's like climbing a mountain, you know that the view from the top will be amazing but at the beginning of the climb it can look a bit intimidating.
But what if you had a guide to help you not only get started but assist you in navigating the ascent?
What if you had someone who knew the terrain and the pathways and would support you along the way?
Good news! You have that Guide. His name is Holy Spirit.
He knows every path on every mountain and He knows YOU, even better than you know yourself.
God is the Dream Giver. He is the One who writes your inner most longings on your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a well known verse where God is telling Jeremiah that HE, (the God who made Jeremiah, the world and everything in it,) KNOWS the plans that HE has for him.
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” AMPC
Other promises say something similar:
“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
Psalm 119:10 says :“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Isn’t it such an encouragement to know that God is for you and not against you?
He will use every challenge to your advantage. He will use all things in your life to help shape you into your very best self. You can be totally confident He knows what He is doing, as He knows all things. Your part is to stay engaged with Him in the process.
“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” Romans 8:28
God’s word is living and active and able to “sort” things out for us.”
“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (AMPC)
Knowing that God knows all things and that Holy Spirit is your Helper and that His Word helps to illuminate your path; wouldn’t it be wise to ask Him for a Word or two, that will act like a sign post, to direct you in this new year?
Receiving a specific verse or passage from God for the year, has proven to be an anchor for me, as one who sometimes can get a bit distracted and drift off into “la la land.”
Having an anchor word can also act like a filter, which helps you to stay focused on the steps towards the realization of the dream for the year.
If something intriguing shows up on your path as you are "venturing your mountain,” you can put it to the test and see if it aligns with “your Word for the season.” If it does then put it to work for you, if it doesn’t, just smile, refocus and move on.
So get out your journal and a pen or open your favourite note app. Find a quiet place to listen and ask God some questions, He WILL answer you!
Some good ones are:
“What is a specific Word that will help me this year?”
“What anchor word or picture do I need to stay strong and focussed?”
“Is there a theme or a song that You want me to carry into this year?”
“What question do I need to keep asking this year that will act as a “test filter” for what may come across my path?”
While you are in conversation with Him, why not also ask some relational questions:
“Lord, what part do you want to play in my adventure this year?”
“Lord, how is this year going to bring me closer to You?”
“Lord, who should we ask to sojourn with us?”
“Lord, what could this look like by the end of the year, if I let you guide me?”
You can come up with your own questions too. No doubt that once you start talking with Him, there will be some laughter, some surprises and maybe even some tears.
Enjoy these first steps of your journey into the new year. God is with you. Remember to LIVE your life ALIVE!It could be your best one yet!
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