When I embark on a new year I always give myself ample time for reflection on the previous year. During this period of cogitation, I reminisce over the adventures and blessings that I was granted the privilege to receive and embark on; as well as, the moments of hurt and remorse that I let fester unwarranted in my heart. This reflection time is crucial for me, personally, because it allows me to see the highest and lowest moments of my year. For my greatest moments, I am eternally grateful and humbled by. What a blessing it is to enjoy the desires of our hearts! On the flip side of that coin, my lowest moments are ones of anguish and disappointment- this period allows me to discern what I will change going forward to prevent repetition. This is where personal growth takes place.
Every new year, I choose "a word" that will be my focal point for the year ahead. For 2018, my word is RESTORED To me, restoration has multiple meanings and is applicable to a few different areas of my life. I pray for a restored heart; one that is free of the weight and opinions of the world. I pray for restoration in my spirit; light, holy and renewed. I pray for a restored mind; one that equips me with words and actions of wisdom, not emotion.("A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit" -Proverbs 15:4) I pray for restoration in lost relationships; whether it be family members or friends, I want to focus on rebuilding the connections with those dear to my heart, that have been bruised or lost in time
Am I speaking to anyone here yet? Anyone have that inner alarm going off? There are many areas of life that could use restoration, it just varies per person. What might those areas be for you, personally? Have you been carrying a weight of exhaustion, hurt, emptiness, feeling lost or cheated out of life? If so, I have good news. Our God is a God of restoration! Despite what might have happened in your past, whether it may have been something done to you or something you did to someone else.. you are NOT a hostage to those situations. You are not a hostage to the pain or guilt. The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin... God knows your sin but calls you by your name! Condemnation is from the enemy and he uses it to keep you from believing in yourself and the promises of God and the goodness of His Word. CONVICTION is from God and he uses it to draw you into His grace.
Psalm 23:3 "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake."
When we feel the weight of a burden, all we need is to call out to Him.. Give me a clean heart, purify me, give me strength, renew my spirit o God! There is REST to be found in RESTORATION. When he restores you, he lifts those chains of bondage (hate, anger, alcohol, drugs, jealousy, abuse, guilt, etc) that has been weighing you down. He restores within you a free spirit and calls you to a place of rest.It's in the quietness and place of rest when He renews your soul. This restoration gives you a life that is honest, true and full of integrity! It turns those negative emotions that you bore into COMFORT, HOPE, GUIDANCE & BLESSINGS!!
"Finally brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you!" - 2 Corinthians 13:11
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that this message will be a tool for those who have been carrying a weight on their shoulders. I pray for restoration for all who need it. God, I pray that 2018 showers blessings over these people and that they find hope and joy IN YOU! In your name we pray, AMEN!
How's that for a NEW YEAR, NEW ME?! 😉
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