January is that time of year when we think about the changes we want to make to improve
ourselves, our relationships, or our circumstances. New Year’s resolutions, diets, gym
memberships, or other goals are started with hopes that this year we won’t quit on them.
Here are some helpful tips we can learn from God’s Word to bring us greater success.
Several steps can be gleaned from a prophecy made by Jeremiah to the Israelites. Though it was a promise to give them hope for their future, the same principles can be applied to our lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Notice God’s intention in His plans for His people (that includes you!). God’s heart is to give you hope for a prosperous and good life. He knows the future and therefore can lead you in the best decisions to make. However, if we look carefully at this passage, we see that we have a part in this as well. It is critical that we daily wholeheartedly seek after God. This means that our number one ambition is to be pleasing to God. If we seek first the Kingdom of God, then we will live in the blessing of God’s provision and love (see Matthew 6:15-33).
Before you spend any money, start any new plans, or make any New Year’s resolutions, take
some time to seek the Lord. Sit down with your Bible and ask the Lord to lead you to any verses to give you guidance in your planning. Ask the Spirit to show you the condition of your heart. Think about the past year and repent of any thing you did, thought, said, or didn’t do, didn’t think, or didn’t say that was out of the Lord’s will. Ask God what priorities you should have this year and what steps to take to fulfill these. If it is His will and you carry it out in His strength, you will find success in all you have planned. Happy planning my friend!
-Sue Corl