A Different Perspective on Goals

January is often filled with new goals and finding areas of our lives we want to change or improve. There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, there’s a time and a place for that. I set goals as well, but what if this January instead of making a list of goals we think we should do or change or get better at, we sat and asked God what he would like for our 2024?

For the past two years I have sat to create goals, and instead, God has given me words. Last year he gave me two words… 

Curiosity & Presence

 …and that’s just what God developed in me. Living life slowly, present, resting knowing he will walk me to where I’m supposed to be. Most of what happened this past year wasn’t even on my goals for 2023. Most of what happened this year came out of those two words, curiosity & presence. 

There was stretching and resistance, but also personal growth and perspective… learning presence with God, myself & others. This year God led me to a life of smelling the roses, being curious, and saying yes to plans I couldn’t even imagine.

God is slowly teaching me that life is about PROCESS, and that process is found in His PRESENCE. 

In the past, I’ve been more focused on products or results in my life, and with that has a lot of anxiety, fear, control, or wanting to “know” what will happen.  Living life that way was the opposite of peaceful and kept me from living life present.

God is teaching me a different way. Life is made up of all the little “now” moments we have, and that’s where we find presence with God. Living IN the daily routines of life with God actually leads us on the path He has for us. This is a process of rest, trust, and freedom as we take refuge with God daily. It’s a process that gives us HOPE and confidence in HIM.

Isaiah 26:3 AMP
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].

So, this is my little encouragement to lay down your goals and ideas for 2024, to sit with God and ask Him what HE sees for your 2024. After all, he’s already written it. 

Is it a word, a certain verse, or maybe a focus point? Maybe it’s a simple goal of practicing presence in your life. Whatever it is that God highlights for you to focus on and hold this year, be curious and ask HIM to lead and guide you. I have found that my goals and focus are MUCH more meaningful and effective when God directs them. 

Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”