Relationships will be important in this coming year. We were created by God to be in relationship. First and foremost is our relationship with God. God also links us to a local body of believers. This is essential because we are part of His Body, and body parts must be connected to each other in order to live and to be useful. If any body parts become disconnected from the body at any time, it will die and become useless. The Lord Jesus said this in John 15: 4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Relationships have a multifaceted importance. Always remember: Two are better than one. What you lack, someone else can fulfill it. By our very nature, we need others because we cannot do everything. Good relationships provide joy and fulfillment. They also relieve stress and anxiety. And most importantly, the Lord Jesus said without Him we can do nothing! Strengthen your quality relationships in this season, especially your relationship with God! This will help you thrive in 2025.
This is what we should be focusing on in this season!
For the Christian, it is vital for us to realize that most of what we see and hear in the news, in school, at the job or even among our family is not what God is saying. His thoughts are higher than the prevailing thoughts of the day. We must put a scriptural filter between everything we see and hear, so that only the useful information will filter through into our minds. Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Refuse to get caught up in the offenses or scandals of the day. God is not in those things. Most people are caught up in petty arguments or issues that have to do with pride, vainglory, power grabs, etc. This will not bring God any glory and it will only get you stuck in the quicksand of petty gossip and problems. Confess the word of God over your life and over the lives of others. Rise above these issues today and walk in love and peace.
Isaiah 55: 8, 9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts”
