I’m at the place I need glasses for night driving. But the best glasses don’t help if I don’t know where I’m headed. I want to know my destination before I take off. This is especially true when I travel abroad. I plan before I pack my suitcase.
A year is a lap in the journey of life. Bible teacher and author Ken Boa pointed out that most of us spend more time preparing for a week’s vacation than we spend planning the direction of our lives. The beginning of a new year is a good time to review our lives and consider where our habits are taking us in life.
One sage said, “Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time.” The Apostle Paul did not run aimlessly (1 Cor.9:26). We too need a clear aim.
6 Tips for Clearer Vision in 2020
- Ask God for a verse. Having a scripture to ponder throughout a period of time keeps me centered. Sometimes it is a phrase from a verse. Romans 15:13 (NIV) is a favorite of mine.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Seeing how joy, peace, and hope come “as you trust in Him” helps me adjust my focus when those qualities wane in me. Proverbs 31:25 ( NASB) is another good verse for me.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future”
- Fast-forward to the end of 2020. What do you want to change this year? What does God want to see transformed in you? Consider such areas as your family, spiritual development, career, personal growth, finances, and ministry. Take time to dream with the Lord (Ephes. 3:20).
. - Work backwards. What small changes need to begin now to get you where you want to be? You may want to create daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly steps or check points to help you stay on course. Be realistic yet set aims that inspire faith and joy.
. - Write it down. Did you know that writing your goals statistically increases the likelihood you will reach them? Do you want to spend more quality time with your spouse? Consider writing down when and how you plan to incorporate that into your life. Do you want to read certain books? List them.
. - Pray about your desires. Ask God to open doors, instruct, and lead you this year.
Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Ps. 37:5 NASB).
- Partner with someone. I find having one or more prayer partners or journey mates an invaluable source of encouragement and light on my journey (Eccles. 4:9-12).
Someone said the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing, expecting different results. Creating new habits takes discipline, but knowing why we are making changes keeps us motivated.
Creating new habits takes discipline; knowing why we are making changes keeps us #motivated. #NewYear Share on XWe can’t see all this year holds, but if our aim is to walk with God and please Him, we will! Through His strength, regardless of the circumstances we encounter, we will experience joy and hope. The One who writes our story will be our guide if we seek Him.
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” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
My book Little Faith, Big God, which looks at Hebrews 11, comes out February 10th. I’d appreciate help getting the word out. If you’d like to consider joining my launch team, please contact me.
Do you have a tip to help start the New Year right?
Blessings,
Photo by David Travis on Unsplash
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InstaEncouraements, #Recharge Wednesday, #TuneinThursaday, #Dance with Jesus, #FreshMarketFriday, #Grace&Truth, #Faith ‘n Friends
I’m praying 2020 is a year overflowing with blessings for you and your family Debbie. I love the idea of having a scripture for the year – I am going to seek the Lord about that. I also like for Him to give me a word for the year. I believe He’s given me “listen” and I know I need to slow down and do much more of that in the coming year!
Thank you, Ann, and may the Lord shower you and your family with all good things too. I like the idea of having one word. I haven’t asked for that this year. I’d say it is probably “faith” since I’ve been focused on it for a while studying the people in Hebrews 11.
Hi there!
Night driving does seem to shift and it seems can be how light, darkness, and brightness of oncoming lights impact us. My hubby started noticing it when cataracts were growing and after cataract surgery the lights seems brighter still so I got him a pair of glasses with a slightly yellow tint advertised for night driving and brightness (no prescription in them) and that has helped.
I am just settling down to reflect and look ahead. November was chaotic with health issues and then Christmas was a whirlwind of both children able to come home with their families for the weekend before Christmas. Christmas Eve we headed to our daughter’s to spend Christmas and a few days with them. Their oldest (our oldest grandson) is in medical school in Tampa and it had been 6 months since we saw him and will be another 6 months till we do again.
Now I am looking forward to a quiet New Year’s Eve and enjoying the slower quieter pace that January brings and time for listening.
God’s very best to you, my friend!
Pam, thanks for the tip on seeing at night. Another friend said that helped her too. We’ve passed through a busy season. I want to have more time for reflection too. I hope this year will be full of blessing and good health for you!
I love this thought Ms. Debbie; “A year is a lap in the journey of life.” Never truly considered it that way before ma’am. Thank you. Great message; and here’s praying you take many more laps in this life until Christ’s return. When I see you in the clouds might be the first time we meet, but I’ll know you by your warm smile and your gentle heart. God’s blessings; and may 2020 be filled with J-O-Y.
Thank you, J.D.! Yes, may we be faithful until He calls us home! Many blessings to you, my cyberspace friend. (That sounds kind of like Star Wars.)
Well, good, I was hoping someone out there in the blogosphere would make that play on words.
And I’m getting into the habit of asking myself (regarding goal setting and thinking about process and posture), “What story do you want to be able to tell when this is all over?” That has helped me so much.
Michele, I couldn’t resist. 🙂 Your question perfectly sums it up! Happy New Year!
What a great post, Debbie! I love these timely reminders. Love your points!
Pinned, tweeted and will be sharing to the InstaEncouragements Facebook.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Patsy, thanks so much for your encouragement and for hosting each week!
What a great way to start a new year! Thanks for this inspiring list.
Thank you, Barbara! Happy New Year!
Thank you for your inspirational messages. Happy New Year dear friend! 🙂
Thank you, Melissa. God bless you!
These are great tips for clearer vision. I never would have thought of them, but that makes so much sense! Thanks, Debbie!
Thank you, Heather!