New Year: No Longer Empty

By Devin Dummel

Just last night I finished miles twenty-seven, twenty-eight and twenty-nine.  And now I am back on track.  Earlier this month we looked the idea of New Year’s Resolutions or goals.  And we talked about how part of our problem not just with the New Year, but will all sorts of goals is that we set unrealistic expectations.   The goal that I set for myself was a mile a day, and after last night I am right on target.  It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been able to keep up with my goals because I have made it a priority.

When it comes to your spiritual life the same is true, if you want to make sure that 2017 is different for you spiritually, then you are going to have to set some goals and make them a priority.  This month we have encouraged you to drop the guilt associated with not being “spiritual enough”.  We have challenged you to find some time to stop and listen to God.  It doesn’t have to be for extended periods of time, but just being able to make space for God can make a huge difference.  And last week we looked at the importance of being quiet.  Not only do we need to eliminate the noise around us, but we must quiet our hearts and minds, even if it’s only for a few minutes so that we can hear from God.

While growing spiritual can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be hard.  And as Adults who are responsible for raising up the next generation, it is essential that we learn how to grow on our own so we can show our children how to do the same.  The truth is regular connection with God move us toward consistency and intimacy with Him.  The temptation is to try and be perfect, but the truth is God used all kinds of flawed people in the scriptures.  They each had weaknesses and needed God – just like you and me.

If we want to ensure that we are no longer empty followers of Jesus just going through the motions, then we must create small spaces of time and quiet to connect with God on a regular basis.  Author and Pastor, Doug Fields says, “When you connect with God, you are trusting that He has a master plan in mind for you, worked out in the midst of a journey filled with fears, bouts, questions, failures, inadequacies, pain, loneliness, anger, frustration, and loss.”

What a great way to understand the importance of connecting regularly with God.  It is one way in which we can say to God: “You are God and I am not, and I trust you even though I’m not really feeling it right now.”  And the best part is that God is totally okay with that.  He can handle all of those things.  What He can’t handle is losing the connection with us.

The reality is goals are great, and plans are important – but there is nothing more important than your connection with God.  Without that connection you will be run-down and worn-out all year long.  Goals don’t change anyone, only God’s Spirit truly changes to our core. 

So the challenge is, will you find time and space, just small amounts, to connect with God on a regular basis?  Will you allow Him to start to change you, so that He can also change your family?  Will you trust Him and continue to seek Him even when you aren’t feeling it?  Will you commit to saying, “I no longer want to be empty”?

It’s our hope and prayer that this year will be a special one and that you will find your connection to God as the source of fuel that propel your family all year long.