Among my Jazzercise friends, the saying in January is “Happy New Rear!” It’s our way of affirming to each other our fitness goals for the year ahead. By the end of 2013 we want to have more healthy heart rates, better-shaped buns, and tighter, toned bodies.
But I would be remiss if I only put physical goals in front of me for the next year. During 2013 I have goals of where I want to be, spiritually, too.
You don’t have to call them resolutions. Call them goals, commitments or focal points. But if we are not striving to get somewhere in our relationship with God, we will flounder and find ourselves in the same place spiritually, year after year.
Here are my prayers of resolution, my areas of focus in the next year. Will you join me on this growth quest with these three simple prayers to say daily?
1. Increase my Love for You, God – Jesus said the greatest commandment is that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:28-30). I want to be one who loves Him with every fiber of my being. Give me a heart to love you more, God, every day and in every way.
2. Increase my Desire for Obedience – Jesus said in John 15:7-8 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Oh, to be so connected with our Heavenly Father, as Christ was, that whatever we ask, we receive, simply because our requests please His heart. Give me a stronger desire for obedience God, so that I may remain in You.
3. Increase my Love for Others – Jesus said “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love …(verse 10) and then He said, seven verses later “This is my command: Love each other.” A heart of compassion for others is a heart that is connected with God’s. God, give me eyes to see others as You do and to treat them as You would.
Please share with me your spiritual goal(s) for 2013 so I can be praying for you this year. Or, if you are joining me in this quest to grow in these three areas, I’d love to know that as well.
You grow, girl, in 2013. I’ll be right here, cheering you on.
My goal for the New Year is to do a study on the attributes of God. 2013 WILL BE a year of personal growth, with my focus on KNOWING and LOVING God more intimately. I’m excited about taking this journey and learning to live my life the way God intended, with joy IN ALL THINGS regardless of my circumstances, and VICTORY over the things I let rob me of His joy . I will continue to hold you up in prayer. 🙂
Good to hear, Cyndie. Thanks, and I will be praying for you, too.
Do you have any word for those in their final years? I think I have served the Lord well over the years (had the opportunity to learn of hm from an early age). I hear things like “God has a plan for your life” but so many challenges face me now. I tire easily. I am only 74 and have older friends who are more physically able than me.
Doreen, as you love God with all your heart, mind and soul and find ways to express that to others, you are living out His plan for your life. Remember, He created you to love Him and enjoy Him forever, and to share that love of His with others. As you age and tire easily, you may come to understand more what Jesus meant when He said to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and STRENGTH (Mark 12:30). Blessings to you as you continue to find ways to show Him you love Him. : )