“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV)
It feels like this year has flown by, and here we are again, standing at the edge of another year! How are we crossing over into the new year? Is there some anxiety, some trepidation? What are we holding in our hearts as we envision and plan?
I want to stay conscious of the fact that 1) there is a plan. I don’t have to find my way through trial and error; I don’t have to wonder how to make it, as I walk into the New Year. God has some amazing plans for us – His heart is full of good thoughts for His kids and for the world, to see the arising and prosperity of the nations. He has special dreams for those of us who call Him “Dad”, and when we agree with Him and align ourselves with Him, there is a “flow” of grace and power; there is a divine favor that rests upon us, which takes us towards open doors and fruitfulness. There is an ease and peace because we are walking in the blueprint, living the design and purpose of the Lord.
2) There is a specific plan for each of us; there is a specific plan for me. God says through the prophet Jeremiah “I know the plans I have for you”. God’s plans for you are different to God’s plans for me. While He plans good stuff for us all, He has specific a design for each of our lives. Tapping into His heart and staying tuned to His voice helps me get on the path and to stay on track.
3) God’s plans are for my wellbeing. My safety, maturity, progress, health and wholeness are all important to my Father, and He never dreams bad things for me – only good things. His thoughts towards me are not about the past; He is not regretting anything, or looking back with blame or accusation. He sees the awesomeness of everything He placed inside you and me, and how He is enabling and empowering us to reach the heights He sees for us. He sees us strong, mature, powerful, and progressing towards achieving our fullest potential.
Staying conscious of the fact that God has beautiful plans for us, here’s what I would do to position myself for a great foundation this new year:
Take a good look at how this current year has gone. Make a list of the things that have worked well and borne fruit. These are the things I would want to take with me into the new year. Make another list with those things that have been costly in terms of time and effort, and have not borne fruit in your life. Perhaps these are the things/people/activities I may think of leaving behind in this year. There are some things/connections it is hard to move away from, but the new year is such a good opportunity to disconnect from what is toxic to your life and to have a fresh start! As you begin to focus on goals for the new year, and think about what works and what doesn’t, you begin to set yourself up for success and fruitfulness. It is amazing how everything begins to align with your focus, and doors open to take you to where you’re meant to be. Expect the new year to be a good one!
Friend, Abba has bigger dreams for you than you have for yourself. His heart is to elevate you to where you are meant to be – ruling and reigning, and walking in your princely purpose, fulfilling your divine destiny. As we cross over into another new year, I want to leave you with this thought from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The coming year is a book we are still to read, a voyage of discovery; but you can trust that God has amazing plans for you, and that the Holy Spirit and you are going to do mighty things! He promises us a future an a hope and that’s will be our starting point. Happy New Year friend!
Minoli Haththotuwa, 29 December 2023
For help with setting your goals for 2024, feel free to connect with me by email: Minoli@MinoliMentor.com
