4 Key Truths for Flourishing In 2020!
“The land you are … to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. (Deuteronomy 11:11-12)As I write this at the beginning of a New Year and a new decade, I wonder what this year will bring. I’m sure you probably wonder, also. Whether you live in the United States or somewhere else, none of us know what lies before us tomorrow, let alone this year or decade.But there are some things we do know!Here are 4 of them:
God’s eyes are on us every step of the way, no matter what our circumstances.He promises He will guide you with godly wisdom and instruction, helping you discern and comprehend and have understanding and insight. (Proverbs 1:2)
Ask yourself:Where did I see God guide me, give me godly wisdom, and divine insight in 2019? How can this experience help me trust Him for the situations I’ll face in 2020?
God wants us to know His peace, not worry about tomorrow.Does that mean we can’t wonder about the road ahead? No, of course not. Thinking and planning is wise—but worry is not. Jesus said, “I tell you, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE”—and He said it over and over in Matthew 6: 25-34.
Ask yourself:Would Jesus ask me to do something that’s impossible? If not, how can I do this? Here’s a vital key: Every time you find yourself worrying, fix your mind, like using Crazy Glue, to who God is. (Isaiah 26: 3-4) If you don’t know—write down all the names and attributes of God found in Isaiah. Make a list, go over it, research what those names mean, and praise God for who He is and will be in your life.
God says to call to Him and He will answer. He invites us to talk to Him about everything.He is waiting to do beyond what you think is possible as you pray with faith, affirming your confidence that nothing is impossible for Him.
Ask yourself: Do I focus my thoughts on the difficulties in my life more than on God’s promises and power? Is my vision blurred by looking for God through my circumstances, or do I face them with faith? Here’s some quotes to think about:
“Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but simply taking God at His word.” Christmas Evans.
“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” George Muller
“You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings! God waits to see how much we believe when tests come. This is where faith wins its crown.” Streams in the Desert, Jan, 5.
God desires us to become like His Son.Through His Spirit working in us, we want to do His will and act according to His good purposes. (Philippians 2:13). We want to live a life worthy of the calling we have received from God. (Ephesians 4:1). And we want our lives to have purpose, meaning and influence for God’s glory. We’re called to invest our lives, not waste them.
Ask yourself: What fruit—a changed attitude, taking an opportunity to share my faith, or forgiving and releasing a grudge—did God produce in me in 2019? The changes in your character and behavior are the result of abiding, staying close, and letting His Word transform you. Without Me, said Jesus, you can do—or produce—nothing that lasts, but if you remain in me, and my words remain in you, your life will bless others and glorify God. (John 15: 1-8).Let me encourage you to trust in the Lord as you step into 2020. Keep reminding yourself: We don’t know what we’ll encounter but we do know the One who has gone before and who will guide us every step of the way.Happy New Year! (And be watching for my newsletter inviting you to be part of my online group: GO FOR IT! MAKE YOUR LIFE COUNT FOR GOD. It’s going to be a great opportunity for 7 of you to be coached and encouraged by me, plus other benefits you’ll enjoy. More to come soon.)Poppy