2022 was a pretty good year for me, but like all years, it had its challenges. For me, the most prominent struggle was with a few select relationships. These relationships were strained for various reasons, but two factors that stood out to me were my personal view of myself and others and my ability to communicate with grace and truth. My insecurities or uncertain position/role often drove my responses. That’s not to say that I’m solely responsible for the breakdown of these relationships, but I played a part. My hope for 2023 is to restore those relationships to the best of my ability.
If possible, so far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all. – Romans 12:18 (ESV)
So how do I move forward?
I need to root myself in the word of God so that I know who I am. My creator defines my worth. Not what others think of me. Not what I think of myself. The same is true of others.
Read the word. Memorize the word. Pray.
If I internalize God’s truth, I will recognize when either my own thoughts or the words of others spoken to or of me contradict that truth. I won’t be ruffled by the lies I tell myself or what I fear others believe of me. I don’t need to defend myself. Authenticity should supersede reputation, despite the value of maintaining a good reputation. The result, in theory, should be that I will not respond emotionally or rashly. Ideally, that also means I will be more clear-headed, and thus I should become a better communicator.
This also means that I will internalize the same truths about others. I will see them through God’s eyes. I will view our interactions with the assumption of goodwill and the grace given to me through the blood of Christ. While not every person will interact with me with such motives, I get to be an example of Christ all the more through those less-than-charitable exchanges.
This is simplified, of course. I am sure I also need to invest in learning to communicate better. I need to have greater discernment regarding when to step aside, step back, and step down. I will inevitably take things personally and get hurt. I will fail. I am sure I will need to practice humility, repent, ask for forgiveness, and grant forgiveness.
I am a child of God, created in His image. I am blood-bought. He called me and will equip me for that calling. He is my defender. I can rest in Him.
Each person I interact with is also a child of God. He loves his kids, and he wants me to treat them accordingly.
What is one practical way that I can work towards this?
My goal for 2023 is to memorize Psalm 119. It’s a lofty goal, but a Psalm about the value of the word of God and the God of the Word seems like the place to start. Twenty-two sections of eight verses each. That’s two sections a month with a little buffer.
May 2023 be the year I internalize the Word and deepen my relationship with the author of the Word.
Thank you! May we all earnestly seek HIM in a closer more meaningful way in 2023.