Weekly Devotional: God’s Timing in the New Year

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

What is your New Year’s resolution?

We all know this is one of the most commonly asked questions during this time of year. Some people dislike this question, while others find joy in compiling a list of things they want to accomplish in the coming year.

We live in a very fast-paced world, and it seems as though there is always something out there that is bigger and better than what we already have. As a society, we are very focused on what is next. This way of thinking can cause us to become impatient and maybe even frustrated with God.

For 2016, we may come up with a list of things we want to accomplish, such as getting promoted at work or traveling to a certain destination.

As Christians, though, we are faced with an important question: Are our New Year’s resolutions based on our own desires? Or, are they based on God’s desire for our life?

The Lord has made everything beautiful in its time. His plans for our lives are greater than we can imagine, because of His great love for us. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

While it may seem as though we know what we need, we can find comfort in knowing that we serve a God who loves us and is always at work in our lives. When we align our desires with His plans, great things will come!

My challenge to you is this: Take time during this busy season to reflect on all God has done in your life. Rather than rushing ahead, think about times in the previous year when the Lord was faithful and the ways your life is being used to bring Him glory.

Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

When we see all the Lord has done in our lives, we can look to the future with great expectation. We can find hope in what is to come, because the Lord has great plans for us.

Grand Canyon University’s Department of Spiritual Life helps to promote a Christian worldview on campus. To learn more about GCU and the Department of Spiritual Life, visit the GCU website today.