Friday, January 5, 2024
An early mentor of mine had a discipline of praying about and selecting a character trait to focus on throughout the coming year and a related Bible verse. I adopted that practice for myself and have found it helpful in seeing God's work in my life in the new year.
Last year, as I reflected on how at Christmastime, God came near to us, my word for 2023 was abide. The accompanying scripture verse was John 15:7 (NKJV):
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you wish, and it shall be done for you.”
For me, abiding in Christ means making time for him and resting in his presence on a daily basis. It allows me to see God’s movement in my life. Every day, I ask myself these questions and patiently listen for answers:
What am I thankful for?
What are the challenges facing me?
Where is God at work in all of these places?
Unless I slow down long enough to ask and listen carefully for the responses, it is difficult to discern God’s movement in the busyness and bustle of my world! When I take time to look and listen, I see how God has indeed given me all I have asked for … and more!
Of course, in some instances his answer has been, “Not yet.” But when I abide in his presence, I gain the assurance to know that he will provide those things in his timing and in his way. His answers enable me to trust that he will do what he has promised, even when the way seems blocked.
These verses from Proverbs are favorites of mine, because I know they are true!
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (emphasis added).
He will—when you ask and listen. He is a gracious and loving Father!
Questions:
What are you thankful for? What challenges are you facing? Where is God at work in your life?
Next Steps:
Spend some time with God, pondering the answers to the above questions. Find a character trait that God might want you to work on in 2024. Find accompanying verses to memorize so you can focus on that trait throughout the year.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for new beginnings! As I look at the blank canvas that is 2024, I ask you to help me write your name at the top of every day. Help me to seek you first and listen closely as you speak—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes with a megaphone if necessary! I trust you, Lord, with all my heart because you have been so kind to me! I know nothing will change about that, no matter what challenges this year brings. You are faithful and good, always! I love you, and it’s in Jesus’ beautiful name that I pray. Amen.