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Happy New Year, friends! We’re still in that awkward season when we’re writing “2-0-2-2-scribble, scribble-3.”
While I love the fresh start of a new year, the buzz around goal setting typically stresses me. (It’s actually one thing about myself that I wish was different, but I’m working on embracing the pragmatic in me.) I’m just not a goal-setting kind of girl. Anyone else? Just me? Maybe it’s because I’m not much of a visionary, maybe it’s because I don’t have that “girl boss” or “wake and slay” kind of drive in me. But I think the main reason is because of one fear: the fear of failure.
I am a perfectionist to a T, and I know my tendency to avoid a challenge that might push me too far out of my comfort zone. Committing to doing something for an entire year? And failing halfway through? (Who am I kidding? More like two months in…) It’s a risk I’m not sure I’m willing to take.
I’ve started the Bible reading plans. I’ve made the lists of all the things I’m going to start doing and all the things I will stop. And then I’ve forgotten or given up. And then I feel like a failure. It feels easier to just not set myself up for that embarrassment.
But nearing the end of 2022, I felt the tugging on my heart for something new. I knew the Lord was calling me to draw nearer. Not in a superficial, check-the-box kind of way, but in a genuine, intentional, abiding kind of way. In preparing for 2023, I came across this verse that has been like a balm to my soul.
God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes. | Philippians 2:13 CEB
I had to reread this a few times for it to really sink in. So go ahead…give it a couple more reads.
Isn’t it such a beautiful truth? When I read that, it was like a breath of fresh air to me. I’ve always known that God enables me to do what He’s calling me to do. It’s not a new concept to think about God giving me the strength to push through when obedience or even a simple rhythm of life feel hard.
But wait…he enables me to want to too?
When I took the time to sit and dwell on that truth for a bit, I was reminded of the oft-quoted verse, Psalm 37:4, that says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” It’s tempting to view God as a genie in a bottle when we read this verse. We may be quick to believe the false gospel that God wants us to be happy, therefore he wants us to have everything we desire. But I don’t think that’s the message David was trying to convey when he wrote this Psalm.
I don’t think God is as concerned about giving us the object of our desires as much as he is committed to giving us the desires themselves. It’s like David is saying, “Delight in the Lord, and He will cause you to delight in Him even more.”
You see, when we seek God, spend time with Him, listen to His voice, read His word, truly get to know Him, something happens inside of us. He transforms us little by little. Our hearts align with his, and we begin to actually desire what He desires. I think this could be the enabling Paul was writing about to the church of Philippi.
Now as I look ahead to 2023, I’m energized by this truth. As I prayerfully consider what God is calling me to this year, I rest knowing I don’t have to strive in my own strength; he enables me to live out his good purpose. And when I begin to fear, knowing I’m bound to have days where I just don’t want to, and I’ll probably feel like a complete failure, I rest knowing He enables the want-to in me.
A Few Books & Podcasts I’ve Enjoyed Lately:
Find Your People by Jennie Allen - I listened to the audiobook (for free thanks to my library card and the Libby app!), and I have recommended it to so many people since then!
The Intentional Year by Glenn & Holly Packiam - Josh and I used this as our “textbook” for beginning 2023. It is a powerful book and helped us connect and grow in new ways!
Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee - Whew! This is an old book and a tiny little book, but it is PACKED with truth that I will be chewing on and rereading all year.
Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter today.
May you live today and all of 2023 knowing you are enabled by the Father.
Until next time,
Lindsay
Hey Baby Girl:
Powerful Words. Thank you for praying, reading, thinking and writing what the revelations that the Lord shares with you. This article greatly motivated and encouraged me.
I’m so proud of you! Keep up the Faith work!
I love you!
— Daddy
Thank you Lindsay for your ministry. I enjoy everything you write. It always ministers to me in what I need everytime you send a new blog. Very timely and needed! Thank you for following your heart but most importantly, the heart of God and being obedient to him. Love you sister!