It’s already been a year, so why not? Didn’t you just ring your new phone? Honestly, is it just me or does it seem like the last few years have completely flown by? It’s as if in the blink of an eye, one child is about to go to college, another will be there in a few years, and “our baby” (as we lovingly call our surprise blessing) will soon reach double digits. Does that mean she will sadly leave that “magical” stage? Oh, I can’t even bear to think about it!
Unfortunately, I tend to get a little sentimental at the end of each year, remembering how dramatically our lives have changed. Our three daughters are growing up at “warp speed” and I hold on to all these memories with bittersweet sadness over the years. Needless to say, I am facing the cruel reality that another year has passed without my precious mommy to guide me. Oh, I really need her right now. Raising teenagers is not for the faint of heart.
Like it or not, another year is here, along with reminiscing and being filled with some pretty big emotions. Time certainly has a way of capturing our hearts and stealing our attention, doesn’t it? So what should an emotional mom do?
Well, sisters, we can reflect on the past, we can strive to live up to a noble New Year’s resolution, we can vow to live by some lofty word, or…we can aim to be a little different this year. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with doing such reflections, setting goals, and living a faith-filled Word, but what if we also took the time to tend to our emotional hearts while creating space to grow spiritually? What if this year we chose to shift our focus from ourselves and our circumstances and instead focus on the incredible wonders of God?
Although we can’t slow down time or reminisce about old memories, we can ring in the new year with simple but purposeful plans. It is a plan that allows us to cherish the past, embrace the present, and cling to the future with hope because we serve a great God. If you’re ready to unlock a simple 3-step plan to carry into the new year, read on.
1. Seek God with all your heart.
The most important step we can take as faithful followers of Jesus is to seek Him wholeheartedly. It is the foundation of our faith, and not only is it truly rewarding, but it is what we were born to do. Yes, that’s right! God designed us to commune and connect with Him in deep and meaningful ways. And I tell you, God wants your heart. In fact, God wants everything to be related to it.
So what does it really mean to seek God with all our hearts, as Jeremiah 29:13 calls us to do?
First, we must recognize that God has given us this gift of invitation as a precious promise to build a relationship with us, one based on truth and covered in God’s grace, mercy, and love. Just as God faithfully guided and lovingly restored the Israelites. When we seek God’s face and come before Him with humble hearts, God’s righteousness flows out. This will give us great peace about our past, knowing that God is working to restore us, despite what we have done, the challenges we have faced, and the mixed emotions of our past.
However, seeking God with a fleshly heart is not always easy. This is because our hearts are naturally prone to distraction, pride, and inward deceit (Jeremiah 17:9). This is why God wants all things to be done with the heart. Our loving God desires to graciously resolve this vital organ and remind us of our true worth.
Seeking God takes time, effort, and dedication. We can seek God through fervent prayer, entering into His Word, fasting, and praising Him. How can you train your heart to seek God this year?
2. Give up your ways
As we enter a new year, we often look back on the past with bitterness or nostalgia, depending on the circumstances. After all, that is our human nature. But stop for a moment and reflect on how God has been faithful to you and your family this year. Where did Jesus unexpectedly appear? When was the last time God gave you an insurmountable peace? On the other hand, He may have seemed quiet or distant. Perhaps your heart is heavy and filled with sadness and pain.
If you are feeling alone, lost, forgotten, or if your life is currently spiraling out of control, my heart hurts just like yours. I do not claim to understand or know what you are going through, but I can say with a true, vulnerable heart that a sense of peace can and will wash over us in these cruel times when we are left empty handed to the Lord and reluctantly saying, “Thy will be done.”
Something beautiful happens when we just accept that God is God and we are not. The truth is that our human minds have limits. No matter how hard we try to control or change a particular situation, there are limits to what we can do. If you leave things to your own devices, you will always fail.
But our God, who is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good (Isaiah 55:8), has a good and perfect plan for each of us. God’s plan and perfect timing for every season of our lives, even in the midst of pain, has a greater purpose far beyond what we can comprehend. But God’s plans and purposes are always good and give us hope (Jeremiah 29:11). You can count on it! As we enter this new year, how can we let go and surrender to God’s good and perfect plan for our lives?
3. Submit to God’s will and authority
When we give our hearts to God through prayer, hand over our plans, and prioritize His purposes, it leads us to the greatest place of all. It is a place where we allow God to move in our lives by giving Him the pen to write our story. When we obey God, we honor Him as the authority in our lives and welcome Him into our hearts, minds, and souls. As we abide in God, we allow Him to guide us and lead us, trusting that He will see us through whatever path He sets us on, even if it doesn’t make sense (Proverbs 3:5-6).
David gives us a beautiful picture of trusting God and submitting to His will and authority. Even in the face of adversity, David became pure before God, often repenting with a true and honest raw heart, and continually asking God for wisdom, discernment, and guidance. As we dig deep into God’s Word and rediscover how David and many others in the Bible longed for God’s authority, we too can learn how to walk in obedience.
This year, discover how God’s sovereignty and divine authority over your life can bring so much peace to your hopeful future. What does God have in your heart? Is there a gift God has given you that He wants you to share? Perhaps a dream that God has placed on your heart? Ask God for wisdom, let Him guide you, then give Him a pen to write your story.
Father God, you have been so good to us and we are truly amazed at the beauty of your infinite love. In this new year, let us soothe and awaken our hearts that cling to the past, get lost in the present, and become weary of the future. May we seek You, entrust our plans to You, and listen to Your will. We love you and long to serve you faithfully. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Photo courtesy: ©SWN
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
