"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." - PSALM 37:23-24.
The busy seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and depleted by the time the end of December winds down and January arrives. The overwhelming exhaustion and depletion is not always a bad thing. I enjoy those seasons and all the "busyness" that comes with it because it is a reminder to me that I am blessed enough to have people in my life to spend time with, a life that offers me filled schedule, and a God worth serving, celebrating, and enjoying. But, though we are often challenged to slow down during those seasons, they still fly by and we find ourselves staring at another long year. It's January 1, 2024. It hardly seems possible. But here it is... ready or not.
Are we not all guilty of pre-scheduling so many things we are going to do in the New Year? It's dangerously easy to spend November and December making excuses that sound a lot like, "I'll get around to that in January. It will be a New Year, so I'll have a fresh start and fresh perspective." We should always be careful neglecting the responsibilities of life that can and should be done in the present moment. We should also be careful in assuming that the "New Year" will provide spacious opportunities in our calendar to accomplish things that we have planned. None of this is meant to be pessimistic, but realistic. The focus of each Bible-believing Christian is that which the Psalmist plainly states in Psalm 37:23-24. May we let God, through His Word and by His Spirit, order our steps and our stops. Hopefully, we can look back on 2023 and say that the Lord led us each step of the way. Lord willing, we can approach the New Year with the same submission to God's leading in our daily life.
I want to share with you seven caution signs that I am looking to apply to my own personal walk as 2024 begins. Consider the following:
Avoid Conflated Expectations.
We are guilty of setting unrealistic goals. We conflate expectations. We dangerously assume that a New Year means a clean slate. Again, I'm not being pessimistic. But problems from the previous year have a way of following us into the New Year. That doesn't mean we should not set goals and make plans to achieve greater things in the New Year. I am not talking about putting a lid on your desires, goals, or expectations for the year; I'm talking about using this challenge as a restraint of sorts. Taken with the following sign-posts, I believe it will make sense.
2. Set Realistic Anticipations.
I'm a believer in what gets planned, gets done. I enjoy writing in a planner. I carry my planner everywhere I go. It's usually right beneath my Bible even when it's sitting on the pew beside me. Not everyone plans with great detail and that's ok. But, we do have the privilege of planning our calendar and doing this for the glory of God. In the process, it is wise to set realistic anticipations.
I already have some major events on my calendar for this year. Early on in my "New Year" is a series of serious situations that will call for my utmost attention and they do not really give me much wiggle room for at least three months. Therefore, I cannot expect to take a cruise. I am not anticipating going on vacation. I am not anticipating an easy path. I am not anticipating many lazy days. And I'm ok with that. But here are some things I am anticipating:
I'm anticipating growing in grace.
I'm anticipating seeing God's hand at work in my life.
I'm anticipating finding joy even in the stressful seasons.
I'm anticipating the faithfulness of God.
I'm anticipating God showing me His glory this year.
I want to set my expectations and anticipations on Him. That is a realistic desire because it is one we find approved by God in the Scriptures. That we have a God who seeks to have a up-close, personal relationship with us on a daily basis is something that should not be lost on Bible-believing Christians.
If I set unrealistic expectations and selfish anticipations are my "main goals" for the New Year, I am immediately setting myself up for failure and disappointment. But if I anchor my expectations and anticipations on Jesus and His "order" for my life, then I know I am safe in His watch-care.
3. Eliminate Useless Distractions.
Life is full of distractions. In order to accomplish any goal - any serious goal - we must be wiling to lay aside distractions. Not all distractions are bad or evil. But we all know how defeating distractions can become if we are not careful to lay them aside in favor of doing what is right when the time calls for responsibility.
4. Confront Baseless Fears.
Growing in grace and stretching our faith brings about fears. Fear of the unknown. Fear of becoming uncomfortable. Fear of feeling lonely. Fear of failure. The list of fears can grow rapidly. But, we can face those fears by the grace of God. Be wiling to confront baseless fears by allowing God's Word to sure up your faith.
5. Seek Meaningful Opportunities.
Seek the opportunity to do something that Heaven values. Invest in eternity. Lay up treasures in Heaven. Be about the Father's business. Every day you can look for at least one opportunity to make a difference for the Lord.
Find one person to talk to about Jesus and the Gospel.
Seek joy in the small things.
6. Grow Exponentially Within.
Don't worry about what life looks like on the "outside." Focus your attention on the inside. Let God work in you first and foremost.
7. Grow Patiently Without.
The Lord will add the increase. The Lord will exalt you in due time. The Lord will add His blessing. Seek Him first. Glorify Him foremost. Let the Word of God and the Holy Spirit mold and shape you from within and then it will be apparent to those without.
Each challenge could be elaborated in depth. There's likely much more that could be added. Perhaps these seven challenges will serve as helpful cautions in your New Year.
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