As I reflect on 2023, I’m reminded of the ups and downs that shaped me. There were triumphs and moments where I could’ve done things differently. Looking ahead to 2024, my focus is on growing in a way that brings joy to the Lord.

In the Bible, we’re encouraged to use our time wisely, as it says in Psalm 90:12: 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 

And as for worries, I’m holding on to Philippians 4:6-7:

 “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

As we treasure time and bid farewell to worry, it’s like a magic wand clearing away the fog of confusion, doubt, and self-pity. Suddenly, we see with fresh eyes what truly matters to God.

Focusing on love and kindness is key, and I find inspiration in Matthew 22:39, where we’re reminded to love our neighbours as ourselves. This means showing compassion and empathy to everyone, even those who might not seem to deserve it. The Bible makes it clear—

“What you plant in the soil of your earthly life, you will harvest in eternity from the spirit. If you plant the corrupt seeds of self-centeredness and ignore the needs of others, your harvest will be a crop of weeds. But if you plant the good seeds of helping others and being kind, you will reap a harvest of eternal life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:8, The Passion Translation).

It can be tough, but the Bible encourages us:

“Let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up. Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10, The Message).

By expressing God’s love in our actions, we hold the potential to spark positive change in the lives of those around us. Let’s continue in our efforts to do good, and witness how our kindness blossoms into a harvest of eternal life.

At the same time, it’s crucial to pinpoint and address anything in our lives that hinders our spiritual growth. These obstacles might come in the form of negative habits, toxic relationships, or behaviours that hold us back. 

Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to shed everything that entangles us in sin and slows our progress. By acknowledging and removing these hindrances, we create room for positive transformation and draw closer to God.

Focusing on these aspects—delighting in the Lord through love and releasing hindrances—we can aim for personal growth and spiritual development in the upcoming year. It’s through purposeful actions and a commitment to self-improvement that we navigate challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

As we step into this new journey, I am brimming with hope that 2024 will unfold as a year of remarkable growth, profound transformation, and a closer bond with the Lord. Together, let’s endeavour to shape it into a year characterized by love, kindness, and releasing what no longer contributes to our well-being. May we employ our time with wisdom and purpose, cherishing every moment in our quest for a life that brings joy to the Lord.

Consider this

Here are a couple of takeaways from this week’s blog:   1. Reflect on the Past Year:    I encourage all our readers to take a moment for introspection, examining the triumphs, challenges, and lessons of the past year. I also highly recommend journaling or meditating on personal growth and areas for improvement.     2. Prioritize Spiritual Growth:     I cannot stress enough on this point–the importance of focusing on spiritual development in the coming year. I urge you to identify and address obstacles hindering your spiritual journey, drawing inspiration from the Bible.   3. Cultivate Love and Kindness:    Commit to love and kindness. I encourage you to foster compassion, empathy, and positive actions towards others, both within and beyond your comfort circle.