As 2016 came to a close, I took a little time to look back on the year, as well as looking forward to new beginnings in 2017.
I know what I’m doing (says the Lord); I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)
As I flipped through my prayer journals for the past year, I was amazed at the answers to prayer that I found – from family members being healed from sicknesses, to financial provision that allowed us to buy a second car, to friendships that blessed me and helped me get through some tough times….
I also felt a sense of accomplishment for reading through the entire Bible – that took some discipline and dedication, but it was well worth my time! I encourage you to try it, especially if you have never read the entire Bible. God may just speak to you through His Word in ways that are new and surprising!
Finally, I started writing down some goals for the coming year. I just have a messy, disorganized list at this point, but I’ve asked for direction and guidance from God to help me fashion my list into a set of goals that will make my heavenly Father proud!
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
As we flip the calendar to January 2017, I encourage you to reflect a bit. What have been your biggest accomplishments? Which answers to prayer have you received? What would you like to improve on in the coming months?
I would love to read your comments! And if there’s anything I can do to encourage you or pray for you as we enter the coming year, please let me know. It is my prayer to encourage you and to be encouraged by you!!!
Some final words of encouragement as you start the new year, this blank slate, filled with possibilities. The Lord says to you:
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
(Isaiah 43:19, The Message)
Daddy God, thank you so much for this new year. I pray that it will be a time of new beginnings for me and my family. I pray that You will give me your eyes and ears, so that I will see and hear your will; where you want me to go and what you want me to do. I pray that new things will burst forth this year, and I look forward to seeing the brand new things that You do in my life and in the lives of those I love. Thank you for your constant care and perfect protection this past year, and thank you for Your promise that You will continue to provide for and protect me in the new year. Thank you that You have it all planned out and that You guide my steps. Praise you, Father, because You are beautiful, awesome and matchless. Amen!
Fresh as a Daisy 