A Year Of…

So the year 2018 has begun. You are a week in, where do you find yourself? Are you excited? Anxious? Are you anticipating new things, dreading the redundancy of old things? Maybe you are a resolution setter and have drafted a plan to make positive changes in your life? Or maybe you don’t do resolutions and would prefer instead to treat 2018 no different than 2017 and just plow ahead. Whatever the case, the calendar has flipped and off we go into another year.

I spent some time reflecting this past week. First on the past year and all that has happened, good and challenging; (that is a positive exercise by the way, one I highly recommend) then I turned my focus to 2018. What does God have for this year I asked myself? Are there any changes I need to make in my life? Is there a word or verse that comes to mind? As I sat and thought I continued to come back to the idea of new beginnings. For me this has unique personal significance for reasons I won’t get in to, but also this phrase carries with it a sense of anticipation. Anticipation of what God has in store for the year ahead.

Sovereign above all

When thinking about new beginnings I was reminded of Proverbs 16 where there are several verses that talk about making plans. In particular I was drawn to verse 9:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

I was again reminded that God is sovereign above all and rules over the actions and details of my life. He powerfully directs, masterfully dictates and pleasingly blesses my days, and yours too. For me, this reminder was a sense of peace. It came as a reality check that He is a good Father and I am loved by Him. My year is in His hands and He can be trusted!

Things to come

As pastors and leaders we can enter a new year with anticipation. God has much in store for us in 2018! What new experiences will we go through? What new lessons will we learn? What new seasons of growth will come that will make us more like Christ? Where will grief shape us and joys inspire us? What circumstances will change our course, what obstacles will refine our character?

We are assured in Jeremiah 29 that God has plans in store for us. Plans of new wisdom, insight and understanding that He wants to impart to us, if we will allow Him to. As 2018 begins here are 8 ways that I want to encourage you to view the new year.

(Adapted from the article “A New Year Perspective” 1)

2018 as a year of…

1) New beginnings: Start with an open mind and heart to wherever the Lord may take you with full assurance and confidence that He is with you. With new beginnings come new memories, experiences and blessings!

2) New possibilities: There’s no limit to what God can do in your life and nothing is impossible with God. God opens doors that no man can shut and also closes doors that no man can open. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

3) New Plans: Be in prayer over what God has planned for you and be willing to walk by faith in obedience as you follow His leading. New plans often equal new seasons. Embrace any changes to come with hope and assurance, confident that God’s plans are always good. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

4) New Purpose: As you forge ahead, God always has a plan and a purpose for what you will go through and experience. Remember that God always has a reason for what He allows in your life and through it you can trust Him completely. (Proverbs 1:3-5)

5) New Provisions: The bible says to not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of its own. Trust in your Heavenly Father who knows everything you need, who is your God and your Provider. He is faithful and He will do it. (Matthew 6:1-33)

6) New Growth: When we are willing to let go and let God work in us and through us, He will always stretch us and grow us. It is an important part of the growth process. Continue to grow in your relationship with Him and in His Word. Pray for God to mold you and make you pliable in the potters hand and then watch the master craftsman work on His masterpiece; which is you!

7) New Wisdom: With new experiences and new lessons come new wisdom and insight. Always make it a priority to seek out wisdom as hidden treasure or fine gold. In Proverbs it says that wisdom will be like a garland of grace around your neck and honor you and present you with a crown of splendor. (Proverbs 4:7-9)

8) Renewed Peace: As you go through new experiences and new adventures whether they are good or bad, my encouragement is to keep your eyes fixed on Christ and He will give you rest and peace, because He is our peace and loves you and cares for you deeply. (John 16:33)

My prayer is that you enter 2018 with a fresh outlook and an anticipation of what God has in store for you. Reflect on where God has brought you and your ministry and move forward into the future with an open heart and mind to receive whatever God has for you.

I am looking forward to ministering with you in 2018. I am here to serve, support and walk alongside you in any way I can. It’s a pleasure to be serving Jesus the king together!

[1] http://thoughts-about-god.com/new-year_/filoiann_new-year-perspective

Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash