Start with Surrender

Are you ready to make this year better than the last? I sure am!

Let's take a moment to reflect on what we're holding onto. While we acknowledge that God's plan is the best, how can we truly expect a better year without fully surrendering everything to Him?

The reality is, we can't. That mental closet where we stash things we want to control needs to be emptied. God already knows what's in there, so why not let Him take the reins?

Think about it—have you been doing a great job controlling those aspects you refuse to let go of? Probably not. Like most of us, we tend to turn to God only when our own efforts fail. God is patiently waiting for us to surrender, and truth be told, we'd be better off if we laid those things at His feet from the start.

It's human nature to think, "I can handle this on my own," but why settle for less when the perfect help and the best plan are readily available to us?

We need to be intentional in our thoughts and behaviors. Often, we get so wrapped up in our problems that we lose sight of the One who can help us overcome them.

Psalm 46:10 wisely advises, "Be still, and know that I am God." We can't focus on God when we're fixated on our troubles. Taking our eyes off Him allows circumstances to control us.

You've likely experienced moments when your focus was on God, and you felt peaceful and untroubled. So why is it easy for us to slide away from that and forget the goodness we've experienced? We become complacent, accustomed to the comfort of "things are going good." Then, we shift our focus back to circumstances instead of God, only seeking Him when we need to get back on track.

This year, let's be intentional. Let's be mindful of where our focus is every day. Instead of taking back the reins, let's embrace God's plan and His peace.