Goals for 2023

Wow, 2022 is almost gone and 2023 will be upon us before you know it. As the end of 2022 approaches, I always like to spend some time reflecting on what the Lord did in my life in 2022 and ask for God’s guidance in the new year. I think it is important for all of us to reflect on the previous year to better understand where God is taking us, how we are getting there, what challenges we faced, and to think about how God has worked in our life. If we approach the end of the year by reflecting deeply, it encourages us to think through many of the difficulties we faced and how the Lord helped us through them. At first glance it may appear that the Lord was not walking along our side, but upon deeper reflection, you can see Him guiding your steps and working through circumstances. This is all done in an effort to help us grow and become the person that God desires us to be. 2022 might not have been an easy year, but that is okay, because it is through the hardship of life we find growth, vitality, our passion, and God’s encouragement to continue on. I find the Apostle Paul a wonderful example as he struggled with the Jews who wanted to kill him. Acts 23:11 shares “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” You can clearly see how God stood by Paul even when he was facing angry mobs and persecution. God also stands with us as we face the challenges and difficulties of the year looking to the next year to grow in our relationship with God. As we reflect and seek the face of God, we can ask God what kind of person we want to become in 2023? What are our goals? What do we hope to accomplish? How are we going to accomplish them? And, what is God’s continued calling in our lives? Yes, it is easy to get diverted on the road of life, but stay strong, and focus your eyes on God. Deuteronomy 6:5 states “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” a great goal to start with. So, I want to encourage all of us to reflect on 2022 and get ready for the great things God will do in our lives in 2023!