4 Tips for a Better 2022
Ready for a Change
After the last two years or so, you may be feeling weary, wore out and confused. With being told to mask up, mask down, feeling pushed and pulled, and all the unknowns it’s no wonder some of us feel we need a break from life - a little time on a secluded island - or a lot.
Or we may be feeling better able to face a new year more educated, stronger, and looking forward to better days ahead.
We have weathered the storms of socially isolation, world-wide fear, sickness, and loss. It is as if we have been tossed around in storm at sea only to be washed up on the shore dripping wet, dazed and confused as to what just happened.
If you are like me, you feel it is time to get up, get our sea legs about us and face another year with resolve and anticipation – hopeful expectation of better days to come.
Daniel had resolve to not eat the King’s food when offered. Why? Because he trusted God would provide. He knew God’s provision was greater than even a king’s feast and what the world has to offer (Daniel 1).
Photo by Eyestetix Studio on Unsplash
So instead of making New Years resolutions, may we resolve to be like Daniel in the coming year and focus on what we can do – what we can control – and not the chaotic world around us.
But most importantly focus on the One who holds the world in His hands and provides all we need.
We are told to live in the world but be not of the world. This requires an active personal relationship with Jesus along with the resolve not to be negatively affected by the world. Sometimes easier said than done, but let’s at least give it a go!
Here are four tips for a better 2022:
Remember God
We all know God is in control but do we act like it. Guilty! This has been a recurring theme and question I have to ask myself on a regular basis– am I acting like I believe what I say I believe or not?
We must resist the temptation to panic at the first word of bad news and go to God first. He already knew about it and is not surprised.
Remember, we are not the first ones to hear of bad news in the world. And it is best to hold tight to our anchor even as with winds of fear swirl about us rather than go through trials without Him (Hebrews 6:19).
You may be like me and have had plenty of uncertainty in your life. I have battled anxiety to some degree or another my entire life, especially if I am not practicing self-care (this is partly due to the genetic disposition of being an HSP).
God never said we would not feel fear. After all fear is a God-given emotion. But His Word does tell us we don’t have to be afraid and can trust Him in all things (Romans 8:28).
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:17 ESV)
Remember Love
Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). As trite as this sounds if we first chose to love those with whom we agree and disagree with (or at least try) a much better outcome is likely.
Whether the situation resolves amicable or not, at least the light of love penetrated the darkness brandishing it’s mark of hope rather than an instant closure from defensiveness.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Remember to ‘Like’ Him
Before we check our social media accounts first thing in the morning, connect to our ultimate Source. Again, easier said than done, but what can we really do without Him?
Jesus gives us the answer “nothing”! We bring nothing to the table and He brings everything. We know we can do nothing without Him so why do we try (John 15)?
If our vertical connection with Him wanes, we cannot connect horizontally with others in a healthy way. Plain and simple.
He gives us the faith to believe in Him, love others, and remain hopeful in a dark and fallen world (Ephesians 2:8-10).
We were completely dead in our transgressions and sins and unable to help ourselves, but yet He died for each of us (Romans 5:8). And He is the One who draws us to Him. Our connection to Him is vital to our lives – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— (John 6:44-45 ESV)
Remember His Word
Being filled with God’s Word on a daily basis is a wonderful way to start your day, but if your brain is a sieve like mine, it tends to leak out easily. That is why Scripture memory is so important - and it can also be so difficult! The evil one knows the power of The Word.
When we hide Scripture in our heart, it can minister to our hearts and minds at any time – day or night, alone or in a crowd.
It can help us do, say, and think the right things and avoid regrets. Again, if you are like me you may not do this perfectly, but I will take all the help I can get.
When we speak and pray Scripture out loud, it goes out into the spirit world, down into our hearts and transforms not only us, but those who may be in ear shot (Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 103:20).
Devoting time and effort to Scripture memory results in dividends immeasurable. The stock market will never boast such a return!
There are many ways to do this. If you need ideas, a quick internet search will provide many options.
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 ESV)
Friend please join me in seeking the Lord’s help in resolving to make 2022 a better year.
If we keep these four things in mind, it has to be. God’s Word does not return empty!
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 ESV)
For more encouragement and inspiration check out these other posts:
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