2020 is beckoning us to desire newness, goodness, and success. The problem? It’s not completely up to us. Our days, successes, and plans are held together by our Creator, yet we often kill ourselves trying. We strive as if our hustle alone is the driving force of our dreams. But Scripture shows if we invite God into our plans, we thrive in an unexpected way.
2019 felt like a race to be more.
I did all the things. I mothered, taught, wrote, taught some more, volunteered, published, served…fed the dog. You name it, I did it. And I’m tired. Still I felt like I was constantly behind because someone was always farther than me. Social media showed writers were meeting goals I wasn’t, mothers were making the meals I didn’t, business people earning while I stayed home… go go go!
Life seemed a competition.
I love social media. How enjoyable that we can connect and encourage so easily? Need a recipe for gluten-free muffins? Bam! Instagram’s got you covered! But living online covered me in insecure thoughts. I tried to live up to everyone else’s best instead of the beauty that God had for me. I let others’ actions determine mine instead of adopting God’s will for my life. The result? I lost my inner peace.
Turns out, Scripture asserts that when we surrender our deeds to the Lord, mental contentment follows.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 ESV.
What does this really mean? The original Hebrew translates that when we roll our actions to Yahweh, our THOUGHTS will be FIRM.
Think of your plans as a great boulder. We can either break ourselves trying to roll them forward alone, or we can roll them over to Jesus and give them to Him trusting that if He pushes them forward it’s His will. And if He keeps them still, that’s for our best.
When we push our plans over to God, inviting Him into our hopes and dreams, we allow His power to work in our circumstances and His peace to rule our minds. Our thought life is firm and peaceful knowing God’s got this and we can relax! Isn’t that awesome?!
For me, rolling my plans to Jesus means praying through my hopes and desires. Asking God to lead my family, friendships, and profession where HE wants them to go. Then I keep stepping forward as doors open. I work where He prompts me to and I let the rest be for someone else contented in my mind that that’s not where God wants me. I know peace will follow as I let go of what’s not for me and I press in more to the places God wants me to be.
Do you feel me? What dream are you trying to push forward? Where do you feel discontented? What is it you want for your life and for your loved ones? Take your plans off your shoulders and roll all your desires over to Jesus, trusting Him to determine your best for 2020.
Featured Photo by AJ Yorio on Unsplash
Find your voice in the conversation on Facebook. P.S. Jesus is so incredible! I’m so excited for you as you get to know the One who wants to be your EVERYTHING!
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Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.
Find Andrea also at WhollyLoved Ministries and her devotionals with WL on YouVersion Bible App and Crosswalk
IT’S HERE! Intentional Holidays is the perfect devotional to keep you focused on Jesus this holiday season. It was so fun to write for this devo with such a talented and grace-filled group of women. We hope this brings you rest and rejoicing through the often chaotic seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Order yours on Amazon asap!
Andrea Chatelain 