Sunday, January 1, 2012

Draw Closer To Him This Year

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

-- Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

What are your dreams? What are your regrets? What would you do with your life if money was not an issue? What kind of life would you lead if your health allowed? How would you fill your days if you could choose your own course?

This first day of the New Year brings reflections of the past and renewed commitments to the future. Most of us want to lose weight and get in better physical shape. Some people have career goals. Some have vacation goals. Some have no goals or resolutions at all. How about you? What do you want to accomplish in the coming year?

“In those days when you pray, I will listen.”

-- Jeremiah 29:12

Is God part of your plan for the New Year? Do you plan to spend more time with Him? Do you vow to study His Word? Or do you plan to continue on as before?

God wants us to know Him. He wants us to desire to spend time with Him. It’s sad that so often we don’t turn to Him until something catastrophic happens in our lives. He wants to share the good times. He wants to be part of the journey. And, yes, He’s there in the bad times too.

“If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land.” -- Jeremiah 29:13-14

Are you lost? Are you seeking to fill an emptiness deep in your soul? God can fill that spot. He wants to. But you have to seek Him first. You have to ask Him to come into your life. You have to want His counsel.

The reward? Time with our Creator. Guidance in all situations. Love beyond anything we can imagine. Blessings galore. And the very best part? We are never, ever alone. He is with us always, in all things, at all times. Loving us perfectly, no matter what.

The New Year brings us a fresh opportunity to change our path and move closer to God. It doesn’t happen in a moment. It’s a steady journey that requires us to each day seek Him. To devote time to His Word. To turn off the television and close the door. It takes effort. But it’s worth it all to feel His Presence deep down in your soul.