Time for a Change
As we wrap up what is quite possibly the most eventful year in everyone’s lives, I thought about writing about the challenges we faced and the lessons learned. But really, I am DONE talking about and reflecting on 2020. I am ready to move on to 2021.
Not that the change in the calendar year actually alters anything. Events and life circumstances don’t magically “reset” on 12:01 am, January 1st. But there is something that is motivating and comforting in creating “timelines” for seasons in our lives. Regardless of whether it makes sense, how many times have you had the thought, “I can’t wait for this year to be over!”?
Sadly, most of the chaos we faced in 2020 will still be going on next month. We can’t control the storm going on around us.
But do you know what is going to be different? Me. My focus. What I choose to spend my time on.
I am struck by how much time I have spent on the computer & phone looking up information this past year. The latest news, the latest restrictions, the current recommendations. This is in addition to the practical stuff I look up, such as “why is my car making that noise,” or “how to make your own laundry soap.” Anytime there is a question, my default response is to look it up.
If something is truly a concern, I pray about it.
I have been reflecting on this recently. Why isn’t prayer my default response? I’m probably not going pray about a laundry soap recipe, but what about the rest? And why am I so focused on world news? What about the KINGDOM news?!!
My focus will continue to be on Jesus in 2021. But what will be different is that I will be spending more time praying:
- Praying for world events rather than reading about them.
- Praying for my friends and family instead of reading about them on social media (and actually having contact with them, too!)
- Waiting on the Lord in prayer for direction instead of looking up all the possible options before praying about it
- Praying for more opportunities to share the gospel
- Praying for revival! For enemy lies to be revealed and hearts to repent and turn to Jesus!
- Praising the Lord & thanking Him for everything!
As Christ-followers, we are called to pray. Jesus Himself prayed!
PHlLIPPIANS 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This is always in addition to reading and obeying His Word, of course. ?
So, how about you? Will you join me in making prayer your focus in 2021?
JAMES 5:16b
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Jen Wise
#EverythingUnderTheSon
