31 Dec New Year, New Vision
Welcome to another brand-new year! I am convinced that something in our DNA loves a fresh start. A lot has been said about the last two years, but let’s look forward with a fresh vision for our lives and businesses
There are several familiar paths to launching a new year with purpose. A new spiritual discipline may lead you to a deeper relationship with God. An inspiring person may challenge you to overcome some difficult obstacle. A new strategy may help you pursue something you’ve always hoped to achieve.
But may I cast a vision for something different, something greater? More than political unity, social peace or a better business plan is a renewed image of God. I’m not talking about “seven steps to spiritual success,” but literally setting our mind’s eye on beholding and cherishing the one true and living God.
Recently, my pastor, Scott Patty, stated, “Beholding God is the greatest need for all people, for all times.” J.I. Packer said it more bluntly in Knowing God, a classic on my top five list: “Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you.”
Rather than focus on achieving greater success or becoming a better version of ourselves, we need to set our sights on seeing and knowing God. He is the sovereign King who sits on the throne of the universe (Revelation 5:13), yet is intimately acquainted with all of our ways (Psalm 139:3).
My new year’s challenge is to join me in reading four great chapters in the Bible that will reveal God’s true character. Four weeks in January. Four of the greatest chapters in the Bible. This week, let’s begin with the incomparable greatness and glory of God in Isaiah 40.
- For one week, read and reread the entire chapter every day, or meditate on one section of the chapter each day. Highlight its truths and jot down its implications.
- Very simply ask God, each day, to disclose Himself to you in a fresh way. When He does, respond as honestly and willingly as you can.
Next Monday, I will share a few observations from Isaiah 40 and then we will begin a new chapter to read.
I will be praying that the Lord will stir our minds to comprehend His glory and for our hearts to turn our affections toward Him. Imagine a united community of men and women bringing lofty thoughts of our great God into the marketplace this year. Envision that with me this week!
Serving you in the marketplace,
David
David Atchison
Lord, help me break my tendencies for repeating unhelpful patterns in my life. I need a whole new way of thinking and seeing the world. Help me develop new thought patterns and new perspective. When I am honest, most of my thoughts revolve around myself and even when I think I am dreaming big things, they are actually small thoughts. Help me spend less time looking inward and more time looking upward. Expand my vision and understanding of who You are.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Isaiah 40:1
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