As we move into 2022, New Year Resolutions are on most people's minds, but instead of creating resolutions for myself I want to focus on creating spiritual goals. How about you, are you ready to walk closer with the Lord?

Psalm 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

2021 was a difficult and challenging year for me as I dealt with our mother's passing, the evacuation of our home/community due to the Dixie Fire etc. I know I'm not alone when I talk about facing challenges because we all have them.

Last year I found myself lacking inspiration to post my daily messages on my blog because of all that I was trying to deal with, so this year my prayer is that no matter what is going on in my life I will pray for God to strengthen and help me to be more focused on accomplishing His goals and relying on His inspiration despite what challenges I am facing.

That is where we get tripped up isn't it? We try to do it all ourselves and realize we are not equipped to do it all. We try to rely on our own strength but instead we're reminded of our weaknesses, we try to do our will and we forget about Gods will.

We need to remember that we cannot do it alone, even mature Christian's stumble from time to time when they lose focus and forget to include God in every aspect of their lives.

Galatians 5:16-17

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Here's a few Spiritual goal suggestions to get you started:

Create a stronger prayer life

Always start your prayer with thanking God for His goodness, then pray for your needs and others such as family, friends, coworkers, church family, our world, government etc.

Schedule quiet time with the Lord

Don't allow anything to interfere with this time - no excuses!

Select a topic and research all the Bible verses that pertain to that word, for example: "patience" or "trust" (use your concordance in the back of your Bible)

Ask God how these Bible verses can be applied in your daily life, write the verses on notecards or post it notes, place them throughout your home, car or at work.

Read specific books in the Bible

Ask God to reveal what message He wants you to gain from the verses you are reading. Write down passages that speak to you and journal what God puts on your heart.

Do a study on various people in the Bible

For example: who was Moses or Esther? How can we learn from their life experiences? Were they courageous or faithful people? Did they make mistakes? What lessons can we learn from them and apply in our own lives?

Galatians 5:22-26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I pray that in this new year you will be filled with determination, dedication, and resolve and that God will speak to your heart and reveal His plan for your life, giving you spiritual goals to accomplish, while strengthening you and renewing your faith in Him with each step you take. May you always remember that God has you in the palm of His hands and that He will guide you!

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime