Things to Remember About Planning

“…Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”–Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

Happy New Year, Friends!

By now, you may have already made your New Year resolutions or thought about your plans for this year.  And, if you are really motivated, you may be already working your plans. Whether you’re still thinking about what you want to accomplish this year or have already jumped on it, here are three things to remember that may help this year go even better for you.

Write the Vision 

The first thing to remember is the importance of writing down your plans to help you achieve your goals. As the scripture referenced above says, “…Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Even if you are not a writer, you can still jot down some notes on a piece of paper or use a device or app to input your goals. As long as you can see your goals on a regular basis, any format you choose will do. I prefer pen and paper, as it gives my goal-writing a more personal touch. Plus, I’m kind of old-fashioned. 😊

My family and I have a yearly tradition where we sit down together and write our goals for the year. It is usually within the first week of January, and we gather around the dining table with paper and pens for everyone to share. We write our goals, using a simple guideline and then we take turns sharing our goals by reading them out loud. If someone does not want to share, they don’t have to; but most times, everyone is willing to share.

For the youngest children, we discuss and write their goals for them. Then, we post our goals in areas that will be visible to us throughout the year. My husband and I post ours and those our youngest children on our bathroom wall. That is also where I also have some prayers posted. My bathroom is a convenient place for me to post my goals because I see them every day and I can also pray there. Our other children post their goals on their bedroom walls or the backs of their bedroom doors where they can easily see them.

Our system of goal-setting works for our family, another may work for you.

God Has Plans for You Too

The second thing to remember is that God has plans for you as well. So, it is important to include God in your planning session. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”–Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) In making your plans, you should keep God first. Make sure you include goals for your spiritual life as well. Some of our family’s spiritual goals include family devotions, Bible reading, and other disciplines for spiritual growth. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says, “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

God Has the Final Say

The third and final thing I want to remind you of is that God has the final say. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” My family and I set both corporate and individual goals. Corporate goals are just what we want to do and accomplish as a family, like family devotions, family games, and trips we want to go on. Individual goals are up to each person; except that we help to guide our younger children in formalizing their goals and set goals for our very youngest. Before we begin, we say a prayer for God’s guidance and blessing, and He always makes our goal planning sessions successful.

So, in making your plans this year, remember to “acknowledge God in all your ways” (Prov. 3:6), if you want your steps to be ordered right. It’s no use in making all your plans without God, because God is in control of your very breath, and He has the final say. If you have already started carrying out your New Year resolutions, it’s not too late to take a step back, to pray about them and write the vision. Include God in your planning; ask Him to order your steps in His word, and He will.

My prayer is for you to have a healthy and prosperous year and that you may succeed in all your plans to the glory of God.  Moreover, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”—Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Blessings,

Jeannette