Even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:10 NIV)
God, lead me! How many times have you whispered that prayer?
If you’re like me, probably a bazillion times. Recently though, I’ve become aware of how often I’ve tried (unknowingly) to lead God. (Not that I like to be in control or anything…ahem.)
When I try to lead God it sounds something like, “God, pleeeaaassseee, do such and such”. Or, “God, here’s what I’m going to do, please bless it.” Or, “God, why aren’t you doing what I asked you to do?”
Now, don’t get me wrong.
There’s nothing irreverent about asking God to do things for us or to bless our plans. In fact, scripture tells us to ask. And, honest questions, like why God isn’t answering our prayers, are important issues to grapple with.
However, yesterday one of the pastors at my church said something–it was almost a throw-away line–that struck me like a two-by-four.
“What does God want to do in 2022?”
Hmmmm……
At the beginning of a new year, I generally think about what I want God to do. As much as I hate to admit it, I seldom ponder what God wants to do in the new year. It’s not that I don’t think about it at all; it’s more like I don’t think about it specifically.
Until yesterday.
So, I’ve been thinking, praying, asking God, “Lord, what do YOU want to do in 2022?
In my character?
In my career?
In my relationships?
In my family?
In my heart?
In my church?
In my world?
As I’ve pondered these questions, a second question arises: “God, want do you want to do through me in 2022?
How do you want to work through me in my friendships?
My family?
My ministry?
My words?
My deeds?
The specifics aren’t completely clear yet, but I know a few things for sure; things that are as true for you as they are for me:
So, What Does God Want to Do in 2022?
In 2022 God wants to:
- Help us grasp the depth of His great love for us. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
- Help us love God and others more. (Matthew 22:36-40)
- Mature us in character as we grow to be more like Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29)
- Increase our faith and decrease our doubt. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
- Use us to show His light, His love, His salvation. (Matthew 5:16)
- Give us wisdom. (James 1:5-6)
- Be unified. (John 17:20-21)
- Lead us, guide us and direct us. (Psalm 139:10)
- Set us free from sin and anything that holds us captive. (Luke 4:18, Galatians 5:13)
- Help people find Him and follow Him. (Luke 19:10)
Does one of these things resonate with you? If so, grab your Bible and look up the corresponding verses. Ask God what He wants to do in your life and in your relationships in 2022.
It’s worth it to take a minute to pause and ask. And then, when we pray, “God, lead me” we’ll have confidence that He will!
And, as the year progresses, let’s keep on asking. Let’s keep on seeking.
In our humanity, it’s so easy to try to lead God, to tell God what I want to do in 2022.
But, this year, let’s flip the script and ask, God, what do you want to do in 2022? Let’s make this our ongoing prayer, as we humbly listen and watch for His answer.
You are loved,
Donna
PS. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: My podcast, “That’s Just What I Needed!” launches Wednesday, February 2nd. All details will be available next week. Be sure to listen and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
And just because you are my blog friends, I’m sharing the trailer EXCLUSIVELY with you (disregard the last part about the launch date–new launch date is Feb 2nd)
Oh…and I have some AMAZING best-selling guests lined up already. You will NOT want to miss it!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YY9dq7C9na18tlyb_6Tq9Jmig-p5fuwM/view?usp=sharing
