As we enter into 2012, we are filled with many dreams, hopes, aspirations, visions, desires and expectations. We make another year of resolutions. We fill our schedules with new plans and mark the calendar with exciting activities for the upcoming year. By the end of the year, we are feeling depressed and unmotivated because we did not accomplish the goals that we set out to achieve.
The one thing we need to realize that we can expect another year of the same old thing unless we renew our minds. Our mentality has to change. Our attitudes has to change. Our behaviors has to change. Our disposition has to change. Our words and thoughts have to change. Sometime even our location has to change. We can’t really expect a New Year full of change if we don’t change the internal things that may be blocking us from our goals.
It’s not an easy process. We are constantly transforming by our daily experiences but somehow we can remain stuck in an old mindset or behavior that may be hindering progress. Let’s look ahead this year with a desire to renew our minds and embrace positive changes in our lives. So, when we look back on another year we can really have a sense of accomplishment and look ahead with great expectation to a New Year!
Last week, I was on my way home and had a negative thought that I’m not representing the Lord very well because I’ve been in such a very dismal mood. I was running low on energy and feeling very down. I took notice of my environment and saw that mostly everyone either looked mad at the world, extremely serious or just had no expression at all. I rarely see a smile on anyone’s face in my daily travels and it’s even rare that I see strangers extend a hint of friendliness or politeness to one another. I started to really examine how society as well as my own community has deteriorated. There is no more respect for others. Values have been washed away and morals have been erased. Our youth are running wild and companies are stealing, lying and cheating with no repercussions or penalties.
As a representative of Christ, our actions should reflect the love of Christ in everything we do and say. In such a chaotic world, I sometimes feel that my actions will not mean anything in comparison to how much needs to be done in the world that we live in. It has left me feeling powerless and that I cannot possibly shine God’s light in such a dark world.
Strangely, I felt like I was becoming part of the darkness and it scared me. I quickly was reminded how powerful our thoughts are and how we should guard our thoughts and keep it under the obedience of Christ. I also started to think about how strong God’s power is to illuminate light in the darkness. How quickly I forgot that I can’t do this in my own power! I realized that God has placed me in a specific environment to carry out His purpose. I’m not suppose to grow weary or burn out because of life’s circumstances. Jesus said, ” I am the light of the world.” John 9:5. “It’s through Him, we move and have our being.” I’m also reminded of the scripture. “It’s not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” said the Lord. We must not grow tired in times of distress or frustration. When we carry the Holy Spirit within us, we have the ability to change the atmosphere in any environment. We also have the ability to draw strength from the Lord. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” I realized that somewhere along the line I must have lost that inner joy that came from the Lord. It’s in the secret place of the most High when I praise His name that I find strength. This is where I realized that I had lost my focus. When you put the Lord first, many eternal promises are fulfilled and you lack nothing including joy, strength and His light.
It was very strong for me to post this intimate story because I’ve had about five confirmations this past week in regard to shining God’s light. It’s God’s way of nudging me to write for His purpose. I don’t believe in coincidences and I know there is someone who needs to read this message right now. So take an introspective look at yourself today and find the light within because “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. So let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. “
Writing with Purpose 