Persevere

Welcoming in the New Year always brings with it reflection on the things in your life. Many will consider what they want to continue, what they want to see change, what they want future goals and focus to center around. Some are in the practice of choosing a Focus Word – a word to keep at the top of their mind throughout the year that can be used as a tool to focus intention, guide attention and shape execution of their goals and life view. My personal efforts with this practice have seen varying degrees of success. Admittedly, there have been some years where the word was chosen and subsequently forgotten by February (or possibly before). This doesn’t seem to keep me from trying it again :). There have been multiple influences in my path the last while that have led me to choose my Focus Word for 2021: Persevere.

A devotional writing I read not long ago that really stuck with me was one of those influences. To summarize, it stated that when you are plagued by a persistent problem, one that seemingly goes on and on, view it as a rich opportunity to learn. So many of the items that are evaluated at this time of year are the same EVERY year. There is value in stepping back to look at these things objectively and evaluate what God may be trying to tell you. He will guide us if we will listen. Isaiah 30:20-21 states “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” His direction is there if we choose to take it.

Another influence in choosing my Focus Word was some of the biblical direction and encouragement we receive for effective prayer and faithfulness. When we have recurring requests, we are told in Matthew 7:7 to “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” We are also told in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Our answer may not seemingly come immediately or exactly as we expected, but we are told to keep asking, seeking and knocking boldly. Persist and Ask Him Again.

There is always more to work toward. There are things that can and should be better. Goals are set personally and professionally that help us shape our lives. In times of adversity or when we just don’t see a lot of immediate progress, we persevere. Psalm 105:4 tells us to “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” I will persevere in Christ to move forward in 2021 (keeping my Focus Word in mind).