By: Dr. Jeff Fuller
Happy New Year! A new year with new opportunities and new challenges. I pray it is not like the previous year. That was the year of clear vision-2020-and boy did we ever get a clear vision of so much we wish we had never seen. There is a saying that speaks of somethings you see, can never be unseen. Does that describe the previous year?
A friend from North Alabama posted on Facebook on New Year’s Eve:
“There are no words that can adequately describe 2020. Many have lost loved ones, many have lost jobs, many have experienced traumatic sickness. However, one thing has remained constant. God’s grace, mercy and love has gotten us through.”
True words.
Yet now we have an opportunity to start a fresh page, a new adventure. With this new start it is imperative that we start right. We do so by briefly looking back to see what we have learned.
My North Alabama friend, stated:
“I…have learned to be more grateful and appreciative of my family, job, and circumstances. Focus this coming year on the goodness of God-not on the fickle nature of life.”
One of my favorite verses for this time of the year is from Joshua:
“Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
The primary way I stay encouraged is through prayer. Turning my attention to the Creator, pouring out my heart to Him, staying focused on Him is the only way we can make it in this world. I urge you to start right in 2021 and take it all to the Lord in prayer.
Take the word, PRAY and use it this way in the new year:
Personally
Personally, spend time talking to the Father. Praying is talking to God. It is an opportunity to pour out your needs and desires to the Heavenly Father. But remember that having a talk is a two-way street-take time to listen to Him. He will speak peace into your life and into your heart.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Retreat
Retreat to Him in moments and times when you are feeling weak and downhearted. Often over the past year we have taking to every avenue but God when we have become tired, frustrated, and troubled. Take time to go to the Father, He desires to take you under His wings and shield you and comfort you in those moments of hopelessness.
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place…” (Mark 6:30-32 HCSB)
Admit
Admit you do not have the answers and you are not the master of your life. We do not have the answers to the problems of this world. No amount of education or knowledge gives us what we can glean from submitting ourselves to the Lord and to His will for our lives. Stop doing and wave the white flag-surrender to Him.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 HCSB)
Yield
Yield to His leadership in all things. When you admit you do not have the answers, you will be prepared to follow Him wherever He leads you. He has a plan for your life.
“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 HCSB)
Until next time…