Prepping for the New Year

Last December, I began reflecting on the year that had passed, a lot earlier than usual. As I began to think about 2024, I realized that I had not met a single goal I set out to achieve at the start of the year. Thankfully, because my identity is rooted in Christ, I didn’t trip and fall into a spiral of self-loathing and depression before Christmas. Instead, I had two mental responses. Firstly, despite not achieving what I wanted to get done that year, I was still grateful for what the Lord had done through me. I had been to new places, made fantastic connections and planted seeds in several initiatives that I believe will blossom beautifully in the years ahead.

My second response was to ask myself why I hadn’t hit my targets. As I continued to ponder more deeply, I concluded two things. One – it could be a case of right goal - wrong time or wrong goal - move on. Perhaps my goals were the right goals but for a different season? Or maybe they were the wrong goals because they were my goals and not the Lord’s, my will and not his will. Or two (and what I think is most likely), I was distracted and not as focused as I should have been. I think I had been distracted by a whole host of things including (but not limited to) my feelings, the news, my friends, gossip, my thoughts, the failures of the Church, politics, my relationship status, my finances, social media, streaming platforms, new ideas and opportunities – to name just a few!

I took some time to rest and reflect and asked myself two questions - what would I do differently next year? And how would I overcome distractions? During that period of reflection I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to two books, How to Pray by Pete Greig and Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor, which in turn led me to today’s passages of Scripture.

To overcome my distractions in the new year, I believe that the Lord was gently nudging me to develop better rhythms of prayer that would in turn help me to redeem my time. Why? Because, just as he told the disciples in the garden, whilst our spirits might be willing our flesh (body) is completely, utterly and totally weak.

Matthew 26:41 - Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (NLT)

Questions for reflection: Have I taken some time to reflect on this past year? What do I think the Lord is telling me about the year? What should I celebrate? Where is there room for improvement in the new year? What distractions can I remove to help me fulfil my calling? What new prayer rhythms can I implement in the new year?

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