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HIDDEN IN MY HEART SCRIPTURE MUSIC COLLECTION

Setting God-Focused Goals for the New Year

As a year wraps up, we often find our thoughts and dreams pressing forward into new, uncharted possibilities. What might a new year bring? More importantly, what might God have for you in the coming year? We can set God-focused goals as we orient our lives around His truth, anchor our souls in His promises, and set our gaze on His plans.

Orienting Our Lives Around God’s Truth

Orienting lends the idea of adjusting and directing or, when needed, redirecting. Picture someone orienting themselves in the wilderness; they need a compass or some sort of knowledge of which direction is where. The same is true when we orient or direct our lives. Just as a compass or map is essential to successful navigation, we need a standard by which to live, and we find that in God’s living and active Word. His Word provides guiding principles and confidence for the journey. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As we orient or direct our lives by God’s Word, we better understand His will, including which opportunities we should take and what directions to move in.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 describes the profound usefulness of God’s Word, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

As you set goals for the new year, consult God’s Word. How might He want you to grow in faith this year? Perhaps a deeper familiarity with His Word or Scripture memory can be integral to your plans and goals in the coming year.

Listen to Hidden In My Heart from Hidden In My Heart, Volume I

Anchoring Our Souls in God’s Promises

As we allow God’s truth to direct our paths, our souls become rooted in His promises. We discover that God equips us for the way ahead. Consider the following verses and how they might empower you in reaching your goals:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

As we orient our lives by God’s truth, we can be bold in setting goals that align with His will and know He will enable and empower us along the way. Consider committing the above Scriptures to memory as part of your goal-setting process.

Listen to I Can Do All Things from Hidden In My Heart, Volume I

Setting Our Gaze on God’s Plans

As God’s Word directs our way, we simultaneously find our spirits aligned with His plans and purposes. God’s Holy Spirit works within us, helping us understand the mysteries of Christ and the depth of the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 2:11 says, “For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” Yet when we follow Christ, the Spirit of God is inside us!

As we listen to God’s Spirit, directed by God’s Word, we gain clarity on God’s will. Romans 12:2 describes this process, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” God’s Word renews our thinking and brings His good, pleasing, and perfect will into focus. What goal can you set to help you focus on God’s plans this year? What distractions might you remove from your days? Consider what habits can you put in place to help renew your mind such as times of prayer, silence and solitude, and time spent in God’s creation.

Whatever the new year brings, you can anchor yourself in God’s peace and presence. You can face changing conditions and unforeseen circumstances with a powerful resolve and assurance as you pursue God-focused goals for the new year.

Listen to Plans I Have For You from Hidden In My Heart, Volume IV

FOCUS ON GOD’S TRUTH WITH THE

HIDDEN IN MY HEART SCRIPTURE MUSIC COLLECTION