Joshua 1:7-9, “Only be strong and very courageous being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
As we dive into a new year how are you really feeling about it? I know a lot of people are excited about the fact that 2020 is behind us, but we all know that doesn’t guarantee what 2021 will be like. As Christians though, our focus needs to be on God and the fact that He is still on His throne so with that in mind, what are your hopes and plans for this New Year?
Are you excited? Do you have a list of things you are hoping to accomplish? I know I have a lot of things that I feel God is leading me to do this year with chocolate and God, with new teachings and video classes and hopefully, speaking engagements and some Ladies Retreats. I am both overwhelmed and excited about it all. How about you?
Now, before you dig into what you have planned may I encourage you to follow the guidelines laid out in the verses above. These verses came straight from God to Joshua as Joshua was going to lead the Israelites into their Promised Land. God was not leaving room for error, He was telling Joshua that all of his direction and answers would be found in following every word that God gave Him and not turning from it even a little bit. In following God, Joshua could be confident that he and the Israelites would have great success and that God would be with them! That is where you begin! Start by determining that this year you will get to know God better and you will spend time in His word to do so. Set aside time to pray. Don’t take prayer lightly! Go after your relationship with God with all your heart! Ask Him to guide you in all that you do. Trust Him!
Now, there’s one more tall order in verse nine above: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Don’t get caught up in the fear that the world is trying to put on you! This is not a mere suggestion from God it is a command that we should not live in fear. We are to walk in His strength and confidence. We are to trust God and His leading and the fact that if we are walking with Him then we can trust that everything that comes our way has had to be run past Him first. God is in control of whether or not the sun shines or it rains or snows ~ whatever, and He is still the God who heals, the God who sees, and the God who holds all of your answers in His hands. Too often people live in fear and they have a death grip on something and then they wonder why it doesn’t turn out better and yet they refuse to give it to God and then blame Him for the results. We have to trust that when things don’t seem to go the way we want or the way we think they should that God still has a plan and there’s a reason for everything. (Read Jeremiah 29:11-13) We need to let go of the idea that what happens on earth is the “end all” because we have all of eternity ahead. His goal for you here on this earth is for you to know Him and for you to live for Him trusting that with Him His best is truly yet to come!
Quote: “Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers
This is totally speaking my language! There have been changes in my family dynamics, therefore, I’m now caring for my Mom. I’ve been in constant Prayer to follow God’s word and to NOT rely on myself. Thanks for being you!!! Happy New Year :~)