Last week as I was checking out in a store I told the sweet young cashier “Happy New Year!” I still see her tired eyes as they met mine, and with a sigh she responded, “I just hope it’s better than this year.”
My heart sank as I glanced at her name tag. “Madison, I sure pray it is for you, too.”
I don’t know how you are feeling as this New Year has arrived. Perhaps, like Madison, your 2023 was full of hardships. You couldn’t wait to close the lid on a year of heartbreak and disappointment. Or, 2023 may have been your best year yet and you’re now wondering if 2024 can hold a candle to it.
No one knows exactly what lies ahead of us this year. We can plan, dream, and set goals, but only God knows exactly what we will experience in 2024. A practice I began years ago is to pray for a word or phrase to focus on for the coming year. I encourage you to do likewise. It’s amazing how God will honor this practice by offering focus and intentionality as we build our trust in His plans for 2024.
Begin in prayer. I’ve written one below to help get us started.
Brain dump! After prayer, simply write down as many words or phrases that feel significant to you.
Sit with your list as long as you need, and begin to narrow it down until your word is clear. It may come quickly or take a couple of weeks. Take the time you need.
Place your word or phrase in prominent places to serve as a focal point throughout 2024. Write it on sticky notes, buy a bracelet with your word on it, write it on your mirror…get creative and have fun with it!
Lastly, I encourage you to keep a journal for your word. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Simply develop a habit of writing down examples of why God gave you this word. By the end of 2024 you will have a beautiful record of God’s faithfulness!
I would love to hear about your word! Be sure to join our Facebook group and jump on to share with the Collective. I will be doing likewise; I’m so excited about my word for 2024!
Happy New Year, friends. May it be exactly what you need it to be – sacred, holy ground for God to do a mighty work in, through, and for you.
Father God, As I prepare for 2024, I ask for Your guidance. You know what lies ahead for me and my loved ones. No matter the mountains or valleys I face in 2024, I ask You to prepare my heart. Break down the walls I’ve built as a result of past pain; I long to live fully into 2024! I release my fears, doubts, and insecurities. I receive Your peace, grace, and hope. Make me sensitive to Your hand and presence in my life by illuminating a word or phrase that You want me to focus on this year. May it become a tie between my heart and Yours. Thank You for Your love for me, and I delight in the hope of connecting with You at a deeper level this year! Amen.
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