Keep Pressing On With A God-Focus This Year
Like many folks, I begin reading the Bible in a new year with Genesis 1. This new year I am reading the Bible chronologically as part of my devotional time. The Bible begins with the clear claim, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). In the verses that follow, we see phrases like: “God said,” “God saw,” “God called,” and so forth. God is sovereign. God is the One in charge. God alone is worthy of worship – God Our Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
For some across the state of Virginia and the DC area, last week was a reminder that we are not in charge as the first week of 2022 brought snow, loss of power, downed trees, closed businesses and schools, cancelled plans. I love a good snow as much as the next guy, but I am amazed at how water when it is below freezing can cause so much disruption. My plans are subject to change – but I can rest assured that God is in charge.
So, as we begin a second week back at church, at work, in class, or whatever is on your calendar this week—remember that God has always been in charge. There has never been a year, an era, a minute that God Our Creator has not been the One who is our Sustainer, Provider, and Sovereign. I need to keep God in focus. I need to be a God-focused family man. I need to be a God-focused neighbor. I need to be a God-focused steward-leader.
My prayer is that this year we keep pressing on as people who have a God-focused outlook on life. Like you, I know folks who have battled illness, struggled with worry, experienced conflict, grieved, and in general, grown weary in their walk. Keep pressing on! Why because God is with us—We are not alone.
A few reflections from the first part of Genesis…
God created us to have a personal relationship with Him.
God has a purpose for your life.
God desires to bless your marriage and family.
God invites us to walk with Him (I love the way the Bible in Genesis pictures God walking with people— “Enoch walked with God” (Gen 5:22, 24).
God is merciful and gracious.
God involves us as steward-leaders.
God wants us to rest in Him.
How does focusing on God encourage you to keep pressing on?
Drop me a note or reply to let me know what you are reading in the Bible and how we might pray for you.
Keep Pressing On! Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY