I’ve been busy writing out my spiritual goals for the coming year. One of the things I want to accomplish in 2012 is to read the Bible through in its entirety. I start out every year with good intentions, but then get off track down the road. This year, I will be reading the One Year Chronological Bible (NLT) to help me achieve this goal. Also beginning, January 1st, I will be starting a study on Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only. I will be blogging my insights and reflections each Wednesday here on my blog. I hope you will visit and interact with me through your comments.
I’ve been thinking about whether I wanted to have a One Word focus again this year. Last year, my word was “Constant”. You can read why I chose this word here. Looking back over 2011, I cannot say that I achieved my goals of what defined my one word choice. I am still learning to be constant in prayer, to be persistent and relentless in my pursuit of Him.
So, I’ve been praying and asking.
I asked Him for one word to define my pursuits.
He said, “Pursue me”.
I asked him for one word to define my relationships.
He said, “Pursue others”.
I asked him for one word to define my health and well being.
He said, “Pursue health”.
Pursue -
follow, run after, chase, seek, search for.
This year, going deeper in God will be my first priority. I cannot be a good wife, mother, friend or employee without first being connected to the Vine. He is the source of my strength. It is only with His help that I can do all that I do. And this going deeper starts first with me. He has already gone all the way to meet me. I must seek Him out. I must search for Him while He can be found. I must push everything else aside because, in the end, those things do not matter. What matters is that I know Him. What steps am I taking to have a deeper life in God? This year, I want to be wholehearted in my pursuit of God.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
As far as relationships are concerned, I can isolate like the best of them. It’s easier some times to just “go it alone” in life. But God never intended that I walk this journey alone. He has brought some amazing women into my life, those that I know personally, and those that I hope to get to meet one day (all of you!) The bottom line is, we need each other. Most days I sit. I wait for the phone to ring. I wait for the email to invite. I want for the knock on the door. But what am I doing to pursue deeper friendships with the people God has placed in my life? It has to start with me. This year, I want to be intentional in my pursuit of others.
And concerning health, I’ve done it all. I think I’ve started every diet under the sun at one point or another. I’ve talked a lot to others about my desire to lose weight and be healthy. I’ve even gone up for prayer, asking that God would strengthen me. But still I sit. I don’t move. I hide, underneath this mask of weight. It’s easier to go unseen, but I sure don’t feel good. What am I doing to pursue health and wholeness in my life? This year, I want to be purposeful in my pursuit of health.
I can’t think of a better way to end 2011 than by looking forward to 2012 with a desire for wholehearted devotion to the Lord, intentional time with those I love, and purposefully seeking after health and wholeness.
Has God laid a focus on your heart for the coming year? I would love it if you shared it with me.
*Post edited to link up with Bonnie the Faith Barista as we share our words for 2012.
