Goals

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not utterly be cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23,24

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

"Out with the old, in with the new" will be the chant heard around the world tonight.  Millions will be watching The Ball Drop, in Time's Square, to usher out 2022, and welcome in 2023. But will the flip of the calendar page really change the situation you find yourself dealing with right now?  Will 2022 magically be erased as easily as you can erase a picture with sand on an Etch-A-Sketch toy?  As most of the world is ringing in the New Year with high hopes of a better tomorrow, my husband and I will be tucked into bed at our usual bedtime, that comes way earlier than midnight!

Why?  Because I don't have to wait until January 1st to push aside my regrets, disappointments and heartaches of this past year.  My hopes, mercies and grace are new every morning. 

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

With each New Year, new resolutions are made and often broken within a few short weeks, perhaps days.  As Christians we can set new goals.

But if we aren't careful, our goals and good intentions can fall away just as quickly as worldly resolutions.  So, how can we prevent that from happening?  Ask yourself the following questions:

    Are my goals for self and selfish gain?

    Or,

    Are my goals for Service to God and others, for God's glory?

    Did I pray and ask God what His will was for me in 2023 or am I making my own goals for 2023?

It will make the difference between lost and abandoned resolutions, or goals reached.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.  In the New Year, God help us seek His plan for goals attained for His Glory.

    But that's just me!

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."  C.S. Lewis