Praying Forward

January is often the month when we look back at what the previous year has brought to us, and we look forward to what we want for our lives in the New Year. We ponder lessons learned from the past and newly-gained wisdom for the future.

Moving forward with momentum.

 

In a world that offers no unconditional "do-overs," it is amazing that we as Jesus-followers are offered a fresh start every single moment, of every single day.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

Choose your default carefully.

 

If you are not intentional about setting your default thinking to the truth that God's Spirit within you is powerful and available, then Satan will convince you otherwise -- and you will unconsciously hand over the control of your thinking and behavior to him.

Sin is not just a "thing" we do or think. it is an entity, a power, an energy.

One of Satan's favorite activities is speaking lies into our hearts and minds. When negative thoughts come to you, you CAN choose not to believe them. You are not your thoughts, and you do not have to believe everything you think. Thoughts are just energy passing through you. Be intentional about which ones you believe and act on.

Plotting your course.

So, as you consider what you would like to have in your life in the coming year, be bold. Be courageous. Be audacious. You might even consider forgoing an itemized list of ideal outcomes, and instead, turn intentionally to asking simply for more of Him: More of your Father's loving ways, thoughts, and actions in your mind and heart -- toward yourself, and others. Then, praying gets really easy...

New Year's resolutions made easy: "Father, help me to want what You want."

Seek your Heavenly Father's presence in your life, the power of His Spirit, and the love of Jesus. He is with you, in you, and for you -- no matter what happens. Live like you're already loved! Remember God's deep affection for you. He thinks you that you are worth dying for. And that covers just about everything. 


I have a song for everything: "I Saw Me Through Your Eyes" by Britt Nicole; "Live like You're Loved" by Hawk Nelson