Do you typically start your New Year with a solid plan and a list of things you want to accomplish? Normally, that’s where I land. That doesn’t mean, however, that God has always been leading the way. I’ve become increasingly aware of how much I’ve done automatically, especially when it comes to ministry. In some areas I’ve presumed upon God’s will—because I saw a need, received joy in the endeavor, and felt a certain degree of competence—without taking the time to hear from Him.
I wonder, how often have I invested in the “good” while missing His best for me?
If you listen to the Faith Over Fear podcast, you might have heard me share how I’ve handed over leadership of Wholly Loved Ministries to the woman who previously led my content development team. This news felt shocking to some, but God had been leading me in this direction for some time. However, He hasn’t yet shown me what’s next.
This means I’ll enter 2024 with less actionable goals but more intentionality—to rest, to seek, and to listen—with my shoes on and feet ready to obey, whenever and however God directs.
Today, I’m reflecting upon Psalm 33:20-22, which states,
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you (NIV).
I wait in hope, in faith-filled expectation, knowing God’s plans for me are good, because He is good.
This includes when He calls me to act and to wait.
He is my help. He doesn’t expect me to figure out my five-year agenda, nor does He want me scrambling forward out of fear or obligation. Instead, He wants me to trust in His guidance, His timing, and His promise to perfect, or complete, all that concerns me.
And to remember that He alone is my prize, the only One who can fill and nurture my soul. In my busyness, I tend to forget this and begin seeking fulfillment in my roles, goals, and achievements rather than my Lord. But in this quiet, still place, with my schedule reduced and my margin increased, I more clearly recognize that my heart most fully rejoices not in successes or even Christ-led vision, but instead, in Him, the Maker and Sustainer of my soul.
In my experience of His unfailing, never ending, merciful love poured freely upon me, when I’m serving, when I’m resting, and while I wait on Him.
When I’m tempted to feel guilty for my more relaxed pace, I’ll instead remind myself that I’m right where God wants me to be. And that, as the One who guides me and illuminates the path before me, He’ll let me know when it’s time to start moving forward once again.
Let’s talk about this! What does your 2024 look like? Have you sought direction from God regarding where and how He wants you to invest your time? Do you have clarity on that yet, or are you, like me, in a season of listening, resting, and waiting?
Note: Please know, I’ll still be writing and podcasting. 🙂 I do have clarity on those things.
