Featured Article: Seek God’s Wisdom as You Pursue Your New Year’s Resolutions by Alicia C.
It’s that time of year when people start making New Year’s Resolutions. I love setting goals for myself but consistency is not my strength. I usually take two steps forward and one step back. Maybe even one step forward and three steps back. You get the picture. Eventually, progress is made but it can be frustrating. Finding ways to be more consistent is a challenge in my efforts to achieve my goals. Learning from success in the past can help.
There was a year in my life that stands out as one of the most balanced, peaceful and successful years of my life. My sophomore year in college I was determined to attain several personal goals and I accomplished most of them. Replicating that year isn’t my aim now but learning from it is valuable to me today in my pursuit of balance and improvement in all areas of my life. Consistent prayer took the lead in my success that year.
Let me preface this part with – I’m no expert on prayer but… daily conversations with God transform you. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Talking to Him throughout your daily tasks, like doing the dishes, walking from your car to the store, praying for a stranger in a store, praying for your child as you play with them or make them a meal, praying for your husband and of course having a special quiet time (which can be hard to find). It takes your spiritual journey and relationship with our Father to the next level. It transforms your perspective and changes how you react to life’s challenges. He gives you the energy, strength and perseverance to attain your goals if you ask Him for it. When you’re in constant communion with Him life is more manageable and goals are more attainable. Joy is abundant!
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
He longs to spend time with you. No matter what you’re doing or where you are, He’s always listening to your thoughts, requests, thanks, anger, whining, repenting, crying, adoration and praise. He loves listening to you. Just talk to Him. No burden is ever too great for the Almighty. Give it to Him. Listen, He has much to tell us during our moments of silence. Spending time in prayer on a daily basis will lead you to greater wisdom about the direction you take in life.
That said… so maybe you’ve made a New Year’s Resolution. If so, I encourage you to look at the big picture. Seek God’s wisdom in this endeavor. Job 15:8 says, “Do you listen in on God's council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? “ Again, that’s where prayer plays an integral part.
Instead of putting all of your energy into one area of your life and possibly neglecting everything else, balance it out and make small improvements in all areas of your life. Begin with Him. Trust Him. It won’t be overwhelming if He’s in charge.
Remember the KISS factor, as my dad called it. He was a career Marine and I’m pretty sure that’s where he learned it. K- Keep, I – It, S-Simple, S-Stupid. I’m not real fond of calling myself stupid, so maybe we can change it to Silly. I do enough stupid things that I don’t need to reinforce it. J Keep your life simple. Make your goals simple, specific and realistic. Enjoy your progress!
Make a list of attainable goals for each area of your life such as: spiritual, family, health, friendships and home management. Commit to working on all of them everyday, even if you only spend five minutes on each one, even one minute. Keep a journal. Keeping track of progress will allow you to see where you need to make changes and when God has answered your prayers.
Gretchen M., one our moms, gave me some coordinator material at the beginning of the year from her time as coordinator before they moved to Kansas. In it I found a really sweet New Year’s Prayer.
Blessed Lamb, Gentle One, Precious Savior, Holy Son.
As the bells ring out the New Year dawns.
Come to us oh Lord.
Light of hope, oh Glorious one, rescue us, free us.
Shine this New Year in for everyone.
May Your peace fall all around us.
New hopes, New Year, renew Your Spirit within us.
All our love we give to you.
May we spread and show the love you give, for in Your Name, we truly live.
Amen
~Author Unknown
