New Year, New Rythms
I love the end of the year and all that it brings. I love what the new year holds for me already. I love reflecting on all God has done and waiting in expectancy for all that is going to happen. As 2019 is ending I’m looking forward to creating new rhythms in my life for 2020.
This past year was filled with ups and downs, just like any other year. Sure, I worked out some. I lost 25 pounds. I ate good food and spent time with the best of friends. But, 2019 was about so much more than that. It was about learning how to deeply trust God in all areas of my life. This past year I experienced new friendships, getting my car stolen (yikes!), becoming an aunt all over again, seeing friends fall deeply in love with Jesus, and SO MUCH MORE.
As I reflect on the journey 2019 was, I keep remembering that it was just a season in my life and every season has a purpose. Eccelsiastes 3:1-22 says:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…”
2019 was a season of weeping, dying to self repeatedly, dancing, rejoicing, and learning to navigate the depth of true friendships. I am so thankful for all the seasons I experienced in 2019 because they all pushed me to grow deeper in Christ. Deeper in love. Deeper in trust. Deeper in expectancy.
As I look toward 2020, I have no idea what seasons I am going to experience. The one thing I can say with confidence is that God will carry me through whatever seasons are to come. I can rest in knowing that whatever may come my way I can fully and deeply trust God with it. If they devil tries to take a hit at my marriage; God’s got it. If Satan attempts to steal my joy; God will handle it. If the weight of the world is feeling overwhelming; I know I can give it to God.
This year I want to be INTENTIONAL. I want to be intentional with the words I say. I want to be intentional in the routines I create (quiet time, working out, serving my husband & others). I want to be intentional with my time with God, serving others, and saying my best “yes” to things. I don’t want this year to be about me and my worldly desires, but I want to be intentional about making the most of every opportunity God gives me. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (NLT) I am going to live in expectancy this year, never doubting what God can do when I am intentional about my relationship with Him.
What are you going to focus on in 2020? What new routines or rhythms do you need to create in your life? Do you need to stop limiting God in your mind? How can you push past your insecurities and begin to truly trust God with every aspect of your life?
I can’t wait to see what this new beginning holds for both you and me. Let’s take on this new year together!
Xoxo,
Rachel Marie
