2022 closing
Closing prayer 2022
I’ve completed our study with the girls in my discipleship group -- actually studied the bible instead of just reading it. As I said before, I’m not the best at studying and it’s very difficult for me to comprehend things, but I’m trying. I spend a lot more time processing internally than sharing what I read or am thinking. I don’t know why, that’s just how my brain works and how God created me. Speaking of how God created you…how have you been thinking about entering 2023? What are your goals for the new year?
I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing. Getting to know the Lord more and more. I get WHY it’s so important to read the bible daily. It’s not just to know the bible and say “Yes, I’ve read it”. It’s to spend that quality time with Him. Getting to know Him more intimately every day will lead you to a better understanding of yourself. Because you learn how He designed you through reading what He cares about. Realizing the things you care about are the same thing He cares about. It always blows me away to think He’s so close to me. He’s inside me all the time. I’m trying to focus on that more. It helps comfort me and makes me not feel so alone. I’ve struggled with this so much in the past. The more I spend the time being still, reading and really acknowledging His presence in me….I just can’t explain the overwhelming joy and fullness and LOVE I feel from Him. He’s just so great. How do we deserve so much love? And He so freely gives it anytime we ask for it.
So, 2023 will be a time for reflection on the past year’s trials, but not spend so much time thinking about the past but only to learn from them and focus even harder on what He has to offer me in my future. In anything I choose to do, I will ask for His blessing. And if I feel He’s calling me away from what I want to do so badly, maybe I’ll realize it’s for my good and I will choose to listen to Him. Afterall, why wouldn’t I want the best thing for me?
It's funny, I was going to title this post “reflection” and talk about the past but I really felt like the Lord wants me to focus on the future. It’s hard not to think of the past when you have gone through so much. But I’m feeling like I’ve been spending so much of last year healing that I’m done dwelling on the past. It’s done. It’s over. I can’t change it. Learn from it and move on. The Lord has plans for me and I’m listening.
I pray this for you…that you go into the new year getting to know Him more intimately. And not focusing on the past so much, but celebrating the future He’s given you. Filling up in His presence and asking Him for guidance in every decision moving forward.
I’m starting to read a new book and I’ll share if you’re interested.
“Necessary Endings” By Henry Cloud
I’ve read lots of his books and a friend highly recommended it. So, if you’re interested in reading it with me, let’s do this together.
Many blessings to you in 2023!
