It’s that time of year again. Time to believe for a fresh start as the Times Square ball drops and every gym offers discounts on memberships. Time to hope for the future, while saying goodbye to the past. Time to set goals and maybe stick to them.
I’ve never been one to make a New Year’s resolution. When I have a goal, I start today and stick to it. Maybe you’re the same way. Or maybe, you make your resolutions and struggle to keep up with them over the year.
Instead, I give myself a verse to cling to for the year. Regardless of what habits I maintain, or don’t, having Scripture to focus on keeps me centered. No matter how I feel, no matter what I face. I bookmark this verse on the Bible app and label it with the year, so it’s an easy reference. Later, I make a lock screen, so it becomes a constant reminder when I check my phone.
This year, 2021, was Psalm 94:22. The ESV says “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” This verse reminded me that God is my defense, my protection, and my safety.
2021 was one of, if not, the most challenging years I’ve endured. But God never stopped being God. He never stopped loving or providing for me. He never stopped looking out for me, even when others did. Despite circumstances, I was focused on the Lord being my source and I knew He would be my safe place in the chaos of this world.
I could list all the highlights, but instead of recalling the problems alone, I choose to remember that God was faithful in all of them. All the sickness. All the heartache. All the unanswered questions. All the hurt and pain. All the healing. All the rest. All the celebrations. I choose to trust that God had a purpose in all of it and that he helped me through them for a reason.
Maybe that’s where you’re at as we close out this year: wanting to see better days, while reflecting on the past triggers hurt and grief. Or maybe, this has been a strong year and you can only see the good. Regardless of what scenario you find yourself in, my hope and prayer is that you can see God’s work in your life. It can be effortless to recall events, but to look back and see not just what people did, but what God did, makes a huge difference. Even when it seems insignificant, God was always attentive to the details.
This year, having a week-at-a-glance planner without a monthly overview was something that surprisingly helped me succeed. At first, I was frustrated that I purchased an agenda that didn’t have a typical calendar view. But through the harder seasons, it kept me focused on each day, one at a time. When you’re dealing with anxiety and depression, even a full 24 hours can feel daunting. This format helped me to stay present, to focus on what’s right in front of me, and to point out the blessings that God gave me each day. In addition to daily gratitude and journaling, my view of a perfect and caring God was amplified amongst harsh hardship. There was something special in writing out my blessings, prayer requests, and how God continued to provide for me.
And maybe that’s how God intended for it to be. For me to truly realize what it means to depend on him. To fully trust that his plans are good. To completely understand that the words of Psalm 94:22 are truth. That, despite what happened or what would come, God was and still is my stronghold, my greatest defense. He was and still is my constant place of safety.
As I look back today, I see 2021 with a new perspective. It wasn’t about my battles; it was about fixing my eyes on Jesus, who already overcame them (John 16:33). He knew all the events of this year would happen. He knew my hurt. But he also knew my healing would come from him. He already knew he would be my refuge and strength; that I could end this year in victory because he has conquered it all.
Jesus made this year worth living. His strength and grace were enough. And they will be as we enter 2022. I trust his plans because I know his character.
Moving forward, the verse God gave me for 2022 is Psalm 34:5. David, the psalmist, wrote “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed” (ESV). The word that stands out to me is radiant: shining brightly, burning, flowing. In 2021, God redefined what it looks like for him to be my refuge. This new year, in 2022, I radiate his love, joy, hope, and peace because he is my firm foudation. Because I look to him and not this world. Because he is my source of life.
Do you have a verse for the new year? What about a prayer, word, or resolution? Share in the comments below!
And…it’s time for a freebie! 🎉
I made a couple versions of my “verse of the year” lock screen to start out 2022. Using your mobile device, click and hold on the image to save. Happy New Year, friends!
Consider the Joy 
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