Matthew 6:9-13 - In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen. (NKJV)
Ephesians 5:15-16 - See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (NKJV)
Devotional Series: My Favourite Time of the Year
I didn’t think I would send out a devotional until the other side of the new year, so bear with me. This December, I began reflecting on my year so far, a lot earlier than usual. As I began to think about 2024, I realised that I had not met a single goal I set out to achieve at the start of the year. Thankfully, because my identity is rooted in Christ, I didn’t trip and fall into a spiral of self-loathing and depression before Christmas. Instead, I had two mental responses. Firstly, despite not achieving what I wanted to get done this year, I am still grateful for what the Lord has done through me, this year. I have been to new places, made fantastic connections and planted seeds in several initiatives that I believe will blossom beautifully in the years ahead.
My second response was to ask myself why I hadn’t hit my targets. As I continued to ponder more deeply, I concluded two things. One – it could be a case of right goal - wrong time or wrong goal - move on. Perhaps my goals were the right goals but for a different season? Or maybe they were the wrong goals because they were my goals and not the Lord’s, my will and not his will. Or two (and what I think is most likely), I was distracted and not as focused as I should have been. This year I think I have been distracted by a whole host of things including (but not limited to) my feelings, the news, my friends, gossip, my thoughts, the failures of the Church, politics, my relationship status, my finances, social media, streaming platforms, new ideas and opportunities – to name just a few!
Over the last few days, as I have taken some time to rest and reflect, I have asked myself two questions - what will I do differently next year? And how will I overcome distractions? During this period of reflection I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to two books, How to Pray by Pete Greig and Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor, which have in turn led me to today’s passages of Scripture.
To overcome my distractions in 2025, I believe that the Lord is gently nudging me to develop better rhythms of prayer that will in turn help me to redeem my time. Why? Because just as he told the disciples in the garden whilst our spirits might be willing our flesh (body) is completely, utterly and totally weak.
Matthew 26:41 - Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (NLT)
Questions for reflection: Have I taken some time to reflect on 2024? What do I think the Lord is telling me about 2024? What should I celebrate? Where is there room for improvement in 2025? What distractions can I remove to help me fulfil my calling? What new prayer rhythms can I implement in 2025?
Comments