“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Luke 11:9, NASB
Dear Readers,
I find it overwhelming to peruse the past year and set goals for the new one. Maybe that’s because I’m a detail person, which causes me to feel I must cover every aspect of the last 365 days plus those to come. So, I usually move forward without reflecting deeply and simply aim to continue on with the Lord. While I don’t see this as wrong, I desire something more this year.
How about you, my friend? Does the thought of pondering the past feel like more than you can handle? Does goal-setting intimidate you? I’m convinced we can learn valuable lessons from 2015, which can help us experience more meaning and God-defined success in 2016. Please join me in praying…
Loving Father,
You are eternal, existing outside of time, yet You purposely placed us on earth “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). You are wise, designing specific plans for each of our lives. We confess sometimes it’s difficult to slow down … to stop long enough to consider Your activity in and through us. But we long to be still, to evaluate this past year through Your eyes. We yearn to enter 2016 with a clearer vision of Your will so we can please You more. Please quiet our hearts and lead us in discovery. Open our eyes to all You have before us. Thank You for what You’ve done and what You will do. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
My mom often said, “We make time for what we want to do,” a statement that definitely holds true in this instance. So, let’s find a quiet place to sit with God this week. Let’s talk to Him and listen to what the Spirit imparts, writing down the thoughts and verses He brings to mind.
Let’s ponder and prepare … for God’s glory.
To help you with this endeavor, I’ve compiled a worksheet. Just click on the title below and feel free to print for personal use:
Seven Questions to Ponder the Past & Prepare for the Future.
Happy New Year!
In Christ’s Love,
Thanks for this great tool, Emily.
You’re so welcome, dear Jeanne! It wasn’t what I had planned but the Lord had it in mind all along :). Love how He does that.
I hope 2016 is filled with blessings and joy for you – personally and professionally.
In Christ’s love,
Emily
I have written a blog post and included your link so that others can print your Seven Questions. I look forward to discussing this with others so we can seek God’s heart for the New Year.