It’s a new year, which means you’ve probably pulled out the journal to write down what you want for 2024. Or at least you’ve posted on social media your New Year resolutions, dreams, and plans. This can be a good thing because it’s always wise to have a vision for the future. However, don’t be so focused on your own plans that you miss the purpose God has for you this year.
It’s easy to do – to focus on the things you want to accomplish and miss what God wants for you. But how do you know what God wants for you? Thankfully, God has revealed to us what He already has for us.
1. Provision
Nothing and no one is outside of God’s control and because of this, we can trust that as His children, God will provide everything we need.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. – Romans 8:28
2. Direction
Sometimes knowing what the next step is or even knowing the right way to go can be difficult and scary. But God has already let us know that He will let us know which way to go. And He goes one step further, like any good father does, and says that He will watch over us.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8
3. Strength
We are so quick to rely on our own ability and strength, but God instructs us to trust in Him and His strength. Acknowledging and worshiping Him, knowing that He will give us what we need to move forward.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Thankfulness
Having a heart of gratitude doesn’t just apply to the prayer before a meal. Rather, it’s God’s will for every part of our lives. Making thankfulness a posture of our heart that we should practice through all circumstances.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
5. Obedience
Submitting to God is easy to talk about but much harder to put into practice. However, when we are fully obedient to God, then we are actually doing what we have been created to do. When we practice obedience, we get to experience true freedom and joy.
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
6. Wisdom
God doesn’t require anything from us that He won’t equip us to do. When we lack wisdom, we ask and God not only gives it, but gives so generously.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – James 1:5
7. Intimacy
When we look around the world today, there are many different versions of intimacy on display. But the type of intimacy we have with God is like nothing else. Not only did He create us, but He knows every small detail about us! Every hair on our head, every tear we’ve cried, every thought we’ve had or thing we’ve done. Who else in the world knows you that intimately? Better yet, who knows you like that and still loves you?
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
8. Refuge
We have all had a moment when we’ve felt abandoned or alone. Sometimes we can even be quick to think that it’s God who leaves us. But, He says something different. If you trust in and love Him, God will never forsake you or leave you. We see this evidence in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. What a good God, that He would be with us always!
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. – Psalm 9:10
No matter where this year leads you; you are never alone; never unloved; never without hope; always provided for and strengthened. Walk into 2023 with confidence, knowing that God is for you.
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- 50 Bible Verses to Help You Find Comfort - January 20, 2023
Thankfulness is the one that hits home for me. In 2020 I lost my sister in August to cancer, on my parents 66 anniversary I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, in November I lost my brother to COVID-19. In December I had my surgery for the cancer and had to spend the whole 11 days in the hospital with any visitors. It was a very lonely time. When I got out of the hospital I was unable to come home because I had to be close to downtown Houston in case I had problems. The year 2021 wasn’t much better.… Read more »
Jeremiah 1:5 is on display in my home. But I never thought of it as a verse for intimacy with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for this. Intimacy with Him is part of my word for the year (actually 2 words): Forever Mine. He is forever mine and I am forever His.
I thank God for bringing me through another year and I am blessed to see what he has planned for me this year.
It is always good to be reminded of the provisions that the good father God has already promised to us and it is take us digging into his wisdom his faithfulness his love and his open arms or guidance and help and strength in receiving all the provisions he’s already provided we serve an awesome God
I am thankful for all the experiences in life, the good and the bad, how cool is it that our human experience includes these things before we’re at peace with our Father?
I recently read somewhere that God is silent during our trials but also shows an intimacy where we know that he isn’t speaking at times and is quiet. That hit hard. Especially praying to be pregnant. I miscarried January 2022 and in September 2022 but I KNOW GOD IS STILL SOOO SOO GOOD.
I have been through this. After my third miscarriage, I told my husband that I didn’t think I could continue to try. I went to the church and talked to a deacon. He prayed with me and told me to not give up. I now have two daughters and it was all worth it. I’m praying for you and your future babies.
Thank you! God is faithful! I’ll be giving birth to my 4th baby on the 17th of this month! GOD DID IT !!!
Love this it blessed my spirit today
I love listening to KSBJ it is blessing to me & millions in Houston. The music really speak to my soul when I am going through & I even sing Long when I am in in traffic on daily basis. Keep up the good works all KSBJ staff Please continue to be blessing to many hurting people & many who are coming to know God through your station.
Amen and amen
#7 For me. It’s amazing to feel God’s love knowing he knows everything about me.
I am thankful for what have gave me and still showing me the love he has for me and my family..
God bless you all for these! I’m going through a divorce!! And I just had a breakdown crying here at work and open this it touched my heart n soul
That is so true have to give your self grace like God gives us grace
I want God to order my steps, and to give wisdom to make sound decisions.
My son, who really wasn’t “into God” went searching for a hip hop/rap Christian station for ME ended up listening himself and coming back to our Lord and telling others about your station too. He passed away 8-5-23 from health problems at the age of 28. And I firmly believe is in the house of our Lord now. Thank you for helping bring him home.
KSBJ is such a phenomenal station always playing the best songs, I love the music!
No matter what I may be going through, KSBJ lifts me up even higher and sustains me.
Thank you
Through KSBJ I have grown in my faith and my relationship with God. I have become a better person and better Christian. I know that whatever I may face it will all be ok because Our God is with me.
Your article helped me a lot. what do you think? I want to share your article to my website:
Amen in Jesus name!
I claim ALL the good things that God has for me in 2023
Amen hope I get blessed followed thus challenge from beginning to end and proud to be a WayFm friend/Family
Thankful for the timely messages WAY FM
Thankfulness. I have a lot of losses the last few years.
His provision 🙂
I love starting the new year off with encouraging words and scripture. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing, I am thankful God has lead me to this ministry. I am growing in the Lord each day through the Bible Recap. I am on my 3rd year. God bless in all you do.