What we receive by reaching our goals is not nearly as important as
what we become while trying to reach them.
I came across this statement on a scrap piece of paper while doing some filing. How providential that I would find it at the tail-end of 2018, as people are making their new year's resolutions.
In Sunday School this morning we had an open discussion of how God is with us at all times, orchestrating our present and our future. We only need to be aware of the gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit in order to stay on God's path, within His will.
Our pastor spoke of making and keeping Christ the Lord of our lives. So easy it is to say that Jesus is Lord, but we are so very weak, quickly falling back into our own rhythms and chasing our desires (false gods).
Then, I find this quickly scribbled note. There was a list of scripture along with it, of which I have included a short selection below.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
1 peter 5:6-7, & 10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you....And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Psalm 73:23-26
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Proverbs 12:28
In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Making plans to change careers, continue your education, volunteer, start a family, get married, buy a house, move to a new neighborhood, save more, shop less, lose weight, workout more, change churches, or start attending church--Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears open. Listen for what God has to say to you. He knows what is a need and what is a want.
His promises to you:
Perfect peace...when you keep your mind focused on Him.
Redemption and protection.
Restoration and strength, no anxiety, no fear, only comfort...when you release your anxieties to Him and humble yourself before Him.
Continual guidance and counsel...when you make knowing and seeking Him priority. (He is holding your hand! Think on that for a moment.)
Life eternal. Flesh may die but you are promised eternal life, in a blink of an eye, from flesh to a new creation!
God's promises are assured! The Dow Jones can't compete with the assurance we have when we bank on The Creator's promises!
So, whether you achieve your goals or not, focus on each step. Are you allowing God to guide your steps? Before each decision are you seeking God's will? Will your words and actions honor Him or bring yourself glory?
Father, each day You give me the ability to speak, to walk, to move about, to see others in my path. Please give me the strength and the courage to speak Your name and to be Your servant. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
~In Your Son's Holy name, Amen.
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