Yesterday as I was preparing for the new year, I started to plan out my goals for 2020. I started thinking about all the ways I wanted to improve myself, all the things on my agenda, and all that needs to happen to make this the best year ever. Somewhere in the middle of my planning I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit, and He brought a simple question to mind- what if these aren’t my plans for the next year?

 The question was posed in such a gentle and loving way, but I immediately knew that I had been leaving God out of my plans. In my frantic attempt to achieve and become, I had missed the call to sit and to listen. My attention was so fixed on what I could do in my own strength, I never stopped to be still and seek direction for this next year.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with setting goals or making resolutions, but how much more do we gain when we ask God what He desires for us?

When my perspective shifted from accomplishing my plans to seeking God’s plans, my goals for the year looked different. My striving turned into surrender.

I don’t know what this year will look like. Here is what I do know without a doubt. God’s plans for this year are for my GOOD and His GLORY. I can trust that He knows best, and He will be with me at every step, unexpected challenge, and unforeseen change. I love this verse in Isaiah about God’s thoughts.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

When I limit myself to my own ways and my own thoughts, I miss out on the fullness God has for me. In this New Year, I want to find a place of complete surrender. To run after what God has called me to do and let everything else fall into place.

As you go into 2020, what if you took some time to ask God what He wants to do in your life this year? What areas is He calling you to press into or what places is He asking you to be still? His plans are high above our own, and He wants to do great things in your life this year!

From all of us at Mercy Multiplied, have a blessed New Year! Follow us on social media @MercyMutliplied for more inspiring content and check out our Word of The Year episode of MercyTalk to prepare for the New Year.