Hi everyone, it’s been a while hasn’t it? I hope we all enjoyed 2023. Yes, I know it was challenging, some of us may have had long spells of good or bad, and some of us may have had it worse than others, but that’s not what I’m asking. I am asking, did you enjoy it? Did you spend time with God, family, and friends? Did you take time for yourself? Did you have fun? Look, every year will have its share of some bad, but we have to resolve to deliberately enjoy the good. Make time to have fun, spend time with loved ones, and do things that bring us joy, because Saints, we are alive, living in our Father’s world, with him cheering us on, what more do we need?
2024 is here, it is time for new resolutions and goals. I don’t have any new goals or resolutions this year. What I have is a new perspective on things. I have realized that we live in a world that has been curated to distract us. Whether it’s the negative news we receive from all around the world, the poor socioeconomic state of our nations, to other people posting their highs on social media. Sometimes it’s the pain or memory of our past failures (in business, relationships, career, etc.).
The danger with distractions is that they take our focus off of what truly matters. When we spend all our time and energy trying to put out fires or react to every situation around us, we have no time left to pursue what God has called us to.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13 NIV
I believe in 2024, God is calling his children to greatness, but for us to get there, we have to keep our focus on what He is asking us to do and who He's calling us to become. We have to let go of reacting to everything that’s happening around us. Whether it’s forgetting about past mistakes, or ignoring a piece of bad news to not allow someone else to ruin your day, if it does not directly affect you, let go of it!! I have a new rule; if something does not directly affect me or I am powerless to do anything about it, I pray about it and let it go.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8 NIV
The biggest threat to allowing anything to distract us is that it usually robs us of our peace and joy. We start living in a place of stress and frustration. Our hope turns into despair, our prayers move away from being creative to being complaints. As someone who has lived like this quite recently, it is not a good way to live, and I know I am not the only one struggling with this. This is why the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to refocus our attention. To turn away from thinking about the negative stuff around us and start thinking about the positive.
So, here’s to a new year. Hoping this is our best one yet, and pray we don’t let anything distract us from the call of God upon our lives.
OAB
Lord help me to stay focus on you and your promises for my life. Help me to stay my mind on you and only you. May I not be distracted by the many things happening around the world that I loose my grip on you. And as I stay focused, strengthen me in all areas of my life that I’ll do everything you have ask of me.. Holy Spirit continue to lead me.
Amen 🙏🏾