What is your mindset as you ring in the New Year? Do you come up with resolutions or goals that you hope to achieve? It seems that when the yearly calendar page turns, we are motivated to improve in areas that we deem lacking in the previous year….whether health, financial or personal. I wondered how different our year would be if we considered goals from the spiritual perspective?
GOALS
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Business goals. Financial goals. Personal goals. Setting goals is part of our culture. Research has shown that if goals are identified and written down, the success rate for achieving those goals is much higher.
Since God has a plan for our lives, wouldn’t it be wise to consult Him when setting goals? As we do, He will direct our path and show us the way we should go. Proverbs 3:5–6 encourages us to do the following: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This is the secret to remaining in the center of His will.
Prayer is a vital component of goal setting. Pray that the Lord makes you sensitive to His desires for your future. Never lose hope. Be encouraged that God our Father is beside you—leading you in the right direction. You will receive blessing upon blessing. So, go ahead and write down the goals the Lord lays on your heart. Refer to them often. God’s plans for your life will unfold as you achieve one goal after another.
Dear Lord, help me set goals that are consistent with Your will for my life. May I trust You with my future. Amen.
(Excerpt from Be Still and Know Daily Devotional Journal, Day 22)