I find myself pondering many thoughts the week between Christmas and New Years.
What went well this past year?
What were the highlights?
What did God teach me?
What does next year hold?
What does god have in store for me?
I could go on and on with these questions. And especially this year as we enter into a new decade. I hear people focusing on the past 10 years and the next 10 years. That is a lot to take in and process, especially as an internal processor.
And then add to it a word for the year. Do you have your word ready to go for 2020? And how about last year? Did you have a word and what did that look like?
Although this is such a good time to reflect and plan, it can be overwhelming and we can get caught up in the planning and scheming of what next year might bring.
The quote in the above picture brought me such peace at this time of year when I get thrown into the rat race of trying to figure out my New Years Resolution and new Word for the Year.
“The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it is has to be lived – not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the next corner.It is today for which we are responsible.God still owns tomorrow.” Elisabeth Elliot (Dec 1926-June 2015)
It is fun to dream and think about 2020 and what may come. But often, in the dreaming we might forget to live in the present. These 3 Bible verses below can help us to live in the present:
Matthew 6:33-34 — Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Philippians 4:6 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
As we plan for 2020, let us let God guide our future. As we think about the new Year and the new 365 days in 2020, we cannot forget whose hand needs to be in our future plans. We may not always understand the plans God has for us, but these verses may remind us:
Proverbs 3:6 – Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “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.
Joshua 1:9 – This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This time of year is so good to reflect and ponder, but don’t forget that only today is what is in front of us and what we are responsible for.
Have a Blessed final Saturday of 2019:) Make the most of today and everyday, one day at a time.