What Do I Want God To Do For Me In The New Year?

What do I want from God in the New Year?

Wait a second! Shouldn’t I be asking God what I can do for Him in the New Year? Shouldn’t I take an unselfish approach to 2017?

AND He’s not a genie or Santa. We can’t just present a list before Him and ask Him for stuff.

Or can we?

I found 67 “asking” verses in the Bible. Even Jesus begged God to do something for Him (see Matthew 26:39).

He asks us to ask.

This idea hit home months ago during a severe trial. I prayed for everyone else involved in the heartache, even those barely affected.  A lot.  Yet, I was not praying much for myself. I knew others were lifting up my situation and took deep comfort there. However, I was the one intimately acquainted with my legion of needs. So, why didn’t I pray for myself?

In taking an honest look, I saw fear and guilt. A fear God may not answer my prayers in the way I wanted Him to and a prick of guilt in focusing too much on myself  when millions of others suffer with much worse.

However, God’s word (67 verses) says it is  ok and more so- welcomed. He asks us to ask. Again and again.

So, I did- sharing my heart’s every longing.

I laid before God my wishes and wants and desperate needs. Yes, it was a bit scary and raw. But healing and hopeful too. God answered some of those requests, as I wanted Him to but others not so much. I am still waiting on several and many are “in progress”.

As I continue to apply His word (Ask Seek Knock) to my requests, I look towards 2017.

I know wonder, joy, change, and hope will go with me in the year ahead. Yet, so will arrows and battles. Disappointment  and hurt. Illness  and loss.

I am grateful I do not know what stands in my path. I do know, though, I need Him there with me. As do you. May we begin 2017 by deepening our prayer lives, on behalf of others and ourselves: praying for our intimate needs, deepest fears, and desires of our hearts. 

Dear Lord,

As we delight ourselves in You, prepare us for the coming year. Teach us to ask because You ask us to. Help us to answer honestly,

“Child, what do you want from me in the coming year?”

Be our heart’s desire Lord Jesus.

Amen

More asking verses:

Matthew 21:22

John 14:13-14

Psalm 5:3

Psalm 119:66