How would you sum up 2020? I think this tweet sums it up well:
I’ve been challenged by a question I recently came across:
“What if 2020 didn’t cause your soul condition, but simply revealed it? This might sound challenging but it is actually a gift.”
In looking to a new year it can be tempting to lean into shame at our failure in the past and overestimate our ability and strength in the future. (hello resolutions!)
Instead, what if we prayerfully reflected on where God has sustained us and strengthened us, and invited His Spirit to reveal what to build on, and what to leave behind?
As you look to the new year, I’d like to offer some questions to ask yourself, or with people in your life to help you close out this year well and enter the next year with the hope and power only the gospel can bring.
- What do you need to "leave behind" from the previous year(s)? What unhealthy patterns and habits need to be turned from? What new practices need development and growth as you follow Jesus?
- How do you plan to pursue Jesus and His community this year?
- If God were to answer your prayers as asked, what would change in your world? What would change in the world as a whole?
If you are looking at a help for the next year, we compiled some resources for reading scripture and prayer that can be found here.
If you are looking to build some resolutions, Donald Whitney gives 31 questions for more Christ-centered living. I love the first question: “What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?”
"Seasons" from the Village Church is a helpful intro the the church calendar and helps with family discipleship.