How is this year treating you so far? Is it what you expected? Or have lines gotten blurred on the path you laid out for yourself? Did your intentions falter somewhere this week? It is okay. You can start again!
We all do it. We make plans to do this or do that and start with such energy but before too long our stamina lessens. Our perseverance fades because maybe we approached the plans all wrong. Maybe the plans we made were not the ones we needed after all. You can start again!
Let’s think about this. What caused the derailment?
Was God in the center of the plans? Were the plans just thoughts of doing something someone else is doing and that would be so awesome to do the same thing? Or were the plans God-led, prayerfully approached intentions of your devotion to Him?
May I give you some very intentional approaches to knowing the difference? It isn’t a checklist but an intentional practice of seeking Him each day. This practice will change your life. You may already be doing it. If not, you can start again!
This isn’t my list. The source of this list was divine inspiration given to Paul as he wrote to the church of the Thessalonians. It is a list worth reading over and over. It is a list worth using as you make plans. This list brings you to the One whose plans for you are greater than you can imagine.
Our first approach is to set aside idols to serve God. You may tell me you don’t have any idols. Great! I am so glad to hear this news. But, really? This isn’t me judging you but you judging yourself. Ask God to show you if you have any idols. This is between you and God. He will listen. He will answer. But only if you are sincere when you approach Him.
Wait, you say. This isn’t a list that will help me make plans. But it is. For our plans to align with His plans there are some things we need to practice daily. This is your practice of intentionality. This is your preparation to live out the plans He has for you.
Appreciate those who labor for you. Esteem them in love. Even if they make it hard. It isn’t your job to do their job. It is your job to appreciate and love others.
Be at peace with others. Again, even if they make it hard. The peace you have comes from God, not them. They are not the source of your peace. Make them wonder what you know that they don’t.
Set those straight that need to be set straight, in love. You know what I am talking about! You might want to mouth off but is that really beneficial for anyone? Believe me, I know a little about this. Made that mistake more than once and it wasn’t beneficial.
Encourage those that may be struggling with patience. It is hard to let go of struggles sometimes. Sometimes we just become so accustomed to having them around that we just carry them with us like a really heavy backpack. Others do the same thing. Lay yours down so you can help someone else get rid of theirs.
No need for you to take vengeance on anyone. That just stirs the pot of contention. Turn those messes into messages of redemption.
Celebrate the goodness of God daily. Celebrate. Audibly. Give Him praise. Lift your hands if you need to. Go ahead. Right now. Give Him a shout of praise. He is worth it.
Pray continually. While you drive to work, pray. While you wash dishes, pray. Before you answer that phone call, pray. ALL THE TIME! Those prayers will help all these other things you have going on.
Live with gratitude in your heart for the great God you get to serve. Be thankful for the abundance of blessings He pours out on you. No matter how simple, give Him thanks. Nothing is too small to be thankful for.
Listen closely for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. It can be such a quiet whisper but it is there. Pay attention to Him. He will give you everything you need.
Know His word so that you can discern what is good and what is evil. He gives you the wisdom and knowledge and understanding but you must be in His word and know it for yourself. Do not depend on anyone else to teach you except for the Holy Spirit. You will have God-fearing leaders but the Holy Spirit is the best teacher. But you have to seek Him to find Him.
Now go back and think about the plans you had for this year. Ask yourself some questions. Were my plans made in consideration of serving God? Were my plans only self-serving for me? How can I adjust my plans to fall under the leadership of God? Rewrite your plans.
Share in the comments what God has you doing this year. If you know someone that may need to read this, send it along to them. I would love to have you follow along with me on my journey of walking with Him. Subscribe to keep up to date!
