Happy New Year!
What is in a Number?
2022 is but a number as a measure of time to give order and a point of reference. In essence there is nothing different about 2022 to 2021 except it is a different measured allocation of time, effectively from God to you and me.
In Ecclesiastes we read in chapter 3:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
When you look back on your past, whether it be just 2021 or your total life, what is this scripture saying to you about the next measure of time God is giving you? Spend some time reflecting on this list. What could be your priorities in 2022?
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
As you take time to reflect on God’s plans for you, NOT your plans for God, do you see a readjustment of your earlier reflection on time?
In Matthew 6:34 we read, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
In respect to time, God wants our attention on today – the here and now. What is it time for now? That is part of the journey to God’s plan for your life.
When was the last time you had someone pray a blessing on your life that you would see clearly what God is saying to you today and the plans He has for your tomorrow? Sometimes to reach the plans of your tomorrow, there are things that have to be actioned today or in the immediate future.
When did you last spend time in repentance? To seek God’s perspective on your life actions or non-actions. When you get prayed for, may this be a topic of prayer and confession.
The Christmas and New Year period are often a time that we choose to reflect on one’s life and choices that have been made, and the resultant outcomes. Do we see God’s hand in our 2021? Sometimes the reflection is forced upon us by loneliness, grief, or challenge. Whichever it is, God’s perspective hasn’t changed. He has a plan for your life in 2022 regardless of your current understanding. He is your Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the darkness.
Don’t be in a hurry over this season but reflect on Ecclesiastes 3 and allow His presence to guide and encourage you. Seek a time of being personally prayed for.
To read a prayer of blessing, for yourself and your future [click here]
Be blessed and know the plans that He has for you in 2022.
Blessings
Peter Goulter