I’ve mentioned in a previous post, Hope for 2011, that I’m not particularly fond of making New Years resolutions. I do, however, value the opportunity to recalibrate my spiritual compass by reviewing areas where I see a need for growth, and by clarifying priorities for prayer and choices I make in the coming year.
If you read the previous post you’ll notice some similarity with this year’s list. Either that means I’m spinning my wheels making no progress whatsoever, or else the Spirit continues to reveal deeper levels of maturity for me to experience. I’m going with the latter interpretation.
My Hopes for 2014 are:
1. Choose Joy
This remains an area where I regularly notice how short I fall. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I’ve prayed for more consistent joy in my life for over 30 years. It remains an area in which I long to grow.
I still claim the words of Job 8:21: “…He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
2. Be Grateful
As I survey my life landscape I am stunned at the variety of ways God not only provides for Beryl and me, but goes far beyond the minimum requirements. He shows his goodness in so many ways; I don’t ever want to take him and his Hand for granted.
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Ps. 16:6
3. Overflow with Hope
My thoughts on this are described in some detail in the above post so I’ll refer you to that, rather than repeat them here. I’ll just say that a spirit of Hope, (in God’s character, not in my efforts) is still one of my highest longings.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ro. 15:13
4. Embrace God’s Presence
Here’s another repeat from 2011. I still want to do it more. To be regularly aware, in whatever setting I am in, (at a worship service, on the interstate, at a sports event or hiking through a forest) that God’s presence was there before I showed up, and He surrounds me every moment I’m in that setting.
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”Ps. 139: 7-10
5. Bring the Spirit of Christ
My longing and my Hope is that increasingly, in every interpersonal encounter I have throughout the day, every day, I will bring the Spirit of Christ with me. I say this with glaring recognition of how often that isn’t the case (as in a recent 1 hour and 40 minute internet tech “help desk” conversation with 4 people from 4 nations, with varying English and tech skills, that left all of us exasperated and exhausted).
I would be thrilled if God worked in me to the point where, when I am with someone, it feels increasingly for them, that Jesus is present.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Phil. 1:27; 4:23
So, these are my Hopes for 2014. I share them so I remember them; so you can ask me, “Hey, Craig, how’s that Grateful thing going?”; and so God might choose to bring increased growth in these areas for me. It would be a miracle and it can only be through Him.
What are your hopes for the coming year? I’d love to hear them.
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.
Comments: 14
Great list. I too choose joy and gratitude. shalom
Let’s do ’em together, Sid.
No resolutions here either. My word for 2014, “Adjust”. “We make our plans, but God has the last word.” (Proverbs 16:1) God is in control and need to trust Him and adjust to His plan.
Al De La Roche
Al, you have some significant adjustments this year. I think the attitude conveyed by the verse you quoted will go a long way for you. May the boundary lines fall in pleasant places for you.
Hi Craig awesome words of encouragement. A very close friend of ours Capt. Dave Lyon was killed in Afghanistan a little over a week ago Friday. His memorial was today and the funeral is tomorrow. The scripture that you listed I have passed it on to Dana has wife. They’ve only been married for about two years, and Dave and Dana lived with us after they got married before they bought their first house. They are like our adopted kids, right now and it’s very hard to understand God’s purpose in why David was killed by a car bomb. But we do have peace that Dave is with God, in a place we all want to be one day. May The one true God bless you and your ministry throughout 2014. Sincerely, Brad
Brad, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, and Dana’s husband. I can’t imagine her grief. May God use you and Valerie as messengers of compassion and peace for her. I’m glad she has you. Thanks for letting me know, friend.
Awesome list. Too much for us ADD guys though. My desire (no resolutions here either) is for His peace. Christ, in John 16:33 says, “…that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” I want to claim, walk and offer peace. Not peace in the absence of trouble, but peace in the presence of Christ.
Well said, Frank. If you can consistently live that out, you’ll have a memorable year. Blessings on you, my friend.
Thanks for your openness in sharing your list of 2014 hopes, Craig.
I too pray for joy. I am conscious that I grieve the Spirit of God when I lack joy as an expression of all the goodness of God in my life. Another big goal for me is to get beyond the anger that simmers in me. Anger over unrealized goals, broken relationships and my own past foolishness. I am so aware that God has so much work to do in me, and so aware of His AMAZING GRACE!
Michael, your honesty and commitment are are admirable. How do you plan on bringing these values to the surface in the heat of the moment of anger, or when life is just plain disappointing? Perhaps we can learn from you.
Melinda and I are using this list in a Marriage Mentoring Class for young couples at Mountain Springs, Craig. I cannot add to it. Blessings, my friend. Happy 2014!
John, I’m honored! That speaks for itself. I’d enjoy hearing what response you get from others…and if you have any new ones to add. May your words and presence go deeply with these couples.
Craig,
I’m so glad you pointed me to this! It is like water to the soul! So authentic, so you! Usually I do go through the evaluation and planning steps of New Year’s Resolutions (my birthday is Jan. 2nd, so even moreso), but increasingly, as I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to realize that the real work is the walking day by day, each moment, in Him. It’s good to have goals, but I’ve come to realize they are completely empty relying on my own strength. The outworking needs to happen through His Holy Spirit working in me! Great to be on the journey together, bro!
Love your comments, Caroline! Thanks for contributing to the conversation.