Happy New Year! I am so thankful I am here another year to spend with family, and friends. I know you feel the same way! At the start of each new year, I always reflect on the year before. I look back to see what I need to improve, what can I change for the better, things I don’t want to do in the new year. We ( including me) can all get caught up in the business of life but we should never make that an excuse for not doing better. I can get caught up in the saying “I don’t have time” but the truth is we do have time we just need to learn how to manage our time better!
How many of us make new year resolutions then one month in we have already blown it? I have so many times! The reason why is because we tend to make resolutions that are hard to keep, not realistic, or not reachable! I don’t make resolutions instead I make the most of each day. Everyday is gift so we need to be present and thankful for each day. There are days I do blow it but I know I can make it right at any moment…Instead of getting discouraged we can do it right with each new day! When we do make resolutions we tend to leave God out. Instead of praying and asking the Lord what should we do for the upcoming year, we try to do things in our own strength or willpower. This shouldn’t represent born again believers (Christians). Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. We should always include the Lord in everything we do! 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
In 2020 let God be at the center of everything we want to do because he knows what is best for our lives. He sees the beginning from the end so he already knows what we can’t see. There are several things I want to do more of for the upcoming year. I am hoping you will join me:
1. Before we start each day, spend five minutes praising the Lord then asking him to guide us throughout the day. How many times do we jump out of bed not spending time with the one who allows us to wake up each day? He longs to spend time with you and me. Doing this throughout the day not because we have to but because we want to draw closer to the Lord. In order to spend time with HIM, we may need to go to bed a few minutes early. It will be worth it trust me! 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. Increase every week, every other week, or every month.
2. Start with spending five minutes in the bible. Ask the Lord to show us what he wants us to read and ask him to open our hearts to understand what he is saying. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Increase every week, every other week, or every month.
3. Being mindful throughout the day for the Lords presence and his voice. We need to listen out for what he wants us to do throughout the day. Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In your Presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
If we want 2020 to be the best year yet, we need to put God first and allow HIM to transform our hearts and our lives! Spending time with HIM is the only way that will happen. Life won’t be perfect or trouble free but we will have the peace, joy, and strength that only comes from drawing closer to HIM!
