New Year’s Devotional 2022
1) While every year certainly has its joys, it also has its hardships. Take a moment and think about the most difficult things you faced this year. Maybe it was with work or school, maybe in your marriage or family or another relationship, maybe it was with your health or finances. Take a moment and write them down (you can also share this with those you’re gathered with). Now really focus, pay attention, open your heart to hear from Him. Can you see God in the mix of each of those three things? In what way? What did you learn through each of those things?
We can think about the Israelites’ great exit from slavery during Moses’ time. There was only one way to the promised land, and it was through the river. It probably seemed impossible to them. How are we going to make it? But God made a way…through it. Can you see how He made a way for you this year -- through it?
And, what if you don’t feel through it yet? What if you feel stuck at the shoreline and not sure how to take the next step…or in the middle of the river and your tired or scared or don’t see the way forward? Invite the Lord into what you’re going through – invite Him to reveal His presence, His wisdom, provide His strength… Invite Him to be in it WITH you, tangibly, through it. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him as He leads you through it.
Here’s the thing….Satan loves to take the hard things in our life and basically say, “SEE!... God isn’t kind or good or present or care or doesn’t love you or isn’t strong enough”. But He is and He does. We have to really look, especially in those hard times to see how He was there all along, making a way for you, being with you, grieving with you, providing for you. We want you to look at those hard things so that you can see that part of your story through God’s lens.
The other thing He invites you to do is to hold fast to His promises; here’s a few for you to open God’s Word, read the full passage in its’ entirety and put to memory:
Romans 8:28 – He’s working it out for your good
Hebrews 13:5 - He’s never leaving you or giving up on you
Philippians 4:19 - He’s providing for all your needs
Isaiah 41:10 – He’s with you and helping you
Now, take a moment to listen in to this song and reflect on the words of it:
Waymaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kBvpS3z9Qo
2) Now, take a few moments and think about all the ways God has been good to you this past year. Don’t get caught up in grand things. Consider the small ways – the breath you just took, which reflects the grace and kindness of God in your life, the fact that you can move, the new neighbor you met, the friendship that has grown… Don’t just look for the great, big obvious joys (new jobs, home, baby), rather think of the million small ways He’s shown His goodness to you. Take a moment to write these down (you can also share these with those you’re gathered with) and then pray and thank God for His goodness and blessings in your life.
Here’s another song to reflect and focus on praising Him for His goodness to you this past year:
God is so good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEYTbZYFHE
3) Now onto 2022 and looking into the New Year. God says to us in Jeremiah 29:11 – “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.” What are you hoping for as you look ahead to this year? What are you asking God for? What do you hope He shows you and does in your midst? What transformation do you want to see in your life this year? Jot these things down; this can be a marker that you return to throughout the year. Is there a scripture that comes to mind? Jot that down too. Are there people in your life that come to mind? Write them down too. Thank Him for His provision, grace, love and with-ness in 2021 and invite Him to lead the way and to move in and through you in 2022.
*** Here’s something else to consider from our Advent devotional “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” by Asheritah Ciuciu (we encourage you to read this if you have it and pick up a copy if you don’t). Which Names stood out to you the most in this season of life? Which do you hope to really know as you turn toward 2022?
A great way to close your time this morning is in worship. You already may have a song or two in mind. Here’s a great one too:
Jireh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-zw0zCCtg
God bless you all!! Happy New Year to you!! We look forward to seeing you in 2022, as we look ahead to all that God has for us!