This week, we start a new year. It’s often a time when people set goals, make resolutions, establish plans and take new steps for change in their lives.
During this time, I like to set aside a few days to fast and pray so that I can seek God for a vision or strategy for the year. “What’s my focus this year? What do I need to press into, Lord?” Interestingly, God always gives me a scripture for the new year, and that scripture very clearly directs my steps throughout the year. Once I know what the scripture is, I put it at the top of my journal in bold and large font. That way, when I open up my electronic journal in the morning, it’s the first thing I see all year long.
I want to encourage you to seek God and let him give you a vision for the new year. To demonstrate this, let me share with you the scriptures that the Lord gave me at the beginning of the past four years.
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In 2005, it was imply “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). 2005 was a very exciting time for my family and me. I resigned my cushy, corporate job, and started my own media production company. It was a step of faith, but I was ready to be sent. Very exciting!
In 2006, my scripture was “Run towards the goal with purpose in every step” (1 Corinthians 9:26). At the beginning of 2006, I set a new goal of producing a feature film. Amazingly, by the end of 2006, I received all of the funding to make the movie.
In 2007, my scripture was “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down” (Hebrews 12:1). With the funding for our feature film in place, it was now time to run. But to run efficiently, I had to strip off every weight that was hindering me. 2007 was a very busy, but cleansing year for me.
For 2008, my scripture has been “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight” (Isaiah 45:2). This year has been a year of preparation for my family and me. I’m still not sure what for, but as I press into God over the next weeks for 2009, I know that he will give me clarity and direction. I am giddy with excitement about what this new year holds for our family.
I know in my heart that the Lord wanted me to share these scriptures with you to encourage you to seek him. He has such great plans for you: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
The Lord has wonderful, great plans for you this year. Take some time to listen and hear what those plans are.
Prayer: Father, I commit these next few weeks to you. Help me put aside any physical, emotional or mental distractions so that I can draw closer to you, and hear your plans for me this year.
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