Each December, as the new year knocks at the door, I ask God to give me a specific passage from Scripture that encapsulates what He wants me to focus on in the upcoming year. Sometimes resolutions seem to slowly fade into a memory leaving us discouraged, but for me, I love having a passage to meditate on and put at the front and center of my heart and mind. It always brings me back to what is most important and helps redirect my focus, especially when walking through a hard time.
This year’s passage is probably the longest one I’ve had, but each verse spoke to me in such a big way. I look forward to breaking it down one word at a time and making it personal to me as I meditate on it throughout each day.
Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
ROMANS 12:9-13
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
I also choose to make simple resolutions in these three areas, although I’m not always faithful in finishing each one, I always put a priority on the first two. Here are mine for 2022:
Spiritual
- Read through the Bible in a year
- Set a specific time to pray each day
- Listen to a challenging podcast or message each weekday
- Limit social media (15-30 minutes a day)
Emotional/Relational
- Write a love letter to Chad each weekday
- Read a marriage book each month together
- Involve a different child in baking or cooking each day
Physical
- Walk on the treadmill every weekday
- Drink a gallon of water every day
If I could encourage you in one thing this year, find a verse to make your own in 2022, because there is nothing more powerful than Scripture. Each day is such a beautiful gift from God, and making every moment count for eternity is something you will never regret.
