New Year! New Me!

Past & Perspective

As we enter 2023, our brains are filled with thoughts of the future year to come, plans, goals, and resolutions. Before we think about all that, let’s take a look at the past year we just completed. Thinking about the past doesn't always have to be a negative thing. We can reflect on the year and think about what we are thankful for and what we can learn from choices we made. I encourage you to make a list of things you are thankful for and a list of things you wish you would have done differently in 2022. Why you ask? Psalms says this,

Psalms 107:21: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.”

It is important to look back on the past in a new perspective of thanksgiving, understanding, growth, and wisdom. Learning from mistakes, understanding gratitude, and being thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness. Past reflection with a new perspective can lead to future growth and goals being met! Which leads me to my next point…

Growth & Goals

Now that we’ve looked at the past and began to look at it in a new perspective, what are we going to do about it? Now comes the growth and goals we set for ourselves for the next year. What do you want to accomplish? Improve on? Do more consistently? Or maybe even start something you’ve never done before? Take a note of 1 goal you have for 2023. Our goals are meant to inspire us and teach us to lean on the Lord in the reaching of that goal!

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

In all of our goals, plans, and dreams. God is right next to us, leading each step we take. The comforting truth that the Lord does not start something and leave us in the dust. He is with us in all of the highs, lows, confusion, and victories. Although this doesn't mean we can just cruise along, this is where steadfastness comes into the picture!

Steadfastness & Success

So we have these great goals, dreams, and plans but how on earth are we going to get there? First and foremost, we can look back like we did earlier on the Lord’s faithfulness and goodness previously in our lives. This instills a spirit of steadfastness and hope in our hearts knowing that he was faithful then and he will be faithful now! Trusting in the Lord and his plans is the best thing we can do to reach success and fulfillment in his plans! Our success is dependent on our faith, determination and trust that the Lord will help us succeed!

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Isn't it awesome that we as humans, filled with sin, don't have to carry the load of life's troubles alone. Jesus carried those burdens and sent them to death at the cross! All we have to do is trust in him, grow in faith with him, and understand steadfastness is key to success!

Questions to Think About:

• How has your 2023 been so far?

• What are your goals for 2023? What small steps can you take to achieve them?

• What areas of your spiritual life do you want to experience growth in?

• Why is it sometimes hard to trust God with our dreams and goals?

• How can you live this year with a new perspective, growth, and steadfastness?

I pray that this message has instilled a spirit of peace, hope and boldness in you! You are made for great things and the Lord will use you for his glory! I pray that no spirit of fear, shame, or guilt will fill your heart and you may lean on the Lord in all that life throws at you!

With Lots of Love,

Georgia Zeleskey