If you could choose only one thing you need this year more than anything else – what would you pick? That’s a hard question to answer. Actually, I’m not sure I could do it. Nevertheless, let’s see if God’s Word has any input about the one thing you need this year.
Tear Into It – The One Thing You Need This Year
In this content, we’re going to look at phrases from Is. 45 to explore the one thing you need this year. These simple statements provide practical guidance and encouragement.
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture Dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
Here are the phrases we’re tearing into from Is. 45. Actually, they’re clear and helpful. Plus, they’re packed with nuggets you need this next year.
- “I will go before you and will level the mountains.”
- “I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”
- “And I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places.”
- “I summon you by name, give you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge Me.”
- “I am the Lord, and there is no other. Apart from Me there is no God.”
- “Plus, I will strengthen you.”
- “Sometimes I hide Myself from you.”
- “Turn to Me in every situation and get help.”
That’s what the phrases say. Remarkably, they represent God’s greatness and His heart toward you. This means your relationship with God is the one thing you need this year. Realistically, though, how does this look?
2. What Does It Mean?
Now, it’s time to explore each phrase one at a time.
1. I will go before you and will level the mountains.
When you go into tomorrow, God promises He’s already there to welcome you. Additionally, He is putting a level path in front of you so you don’t stumble. A level path is easier to travel than climbing up and down mountains. Subsequently, to “level mountains” means He already has a plan to get you where He wants you to go.
2. I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.
Basically, God says He’ll break down and cut through any and all obstacles and issues that keep you from being the person He created. With His power, He’ll do the impossible. Consequently, you can depend on Him.
3. And I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places.
God has special surprises packaged for you in your life journey. Interestingly, He’s tucked them throughout this next year to enrich your life and encourage your heart.
4. I summon you by name, give you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge Me.
It’s easy to get side-tracked with duties and responsibilities. Actually, to get half-way through the day and realize, “I haven’t connected with You, Lord!” Well, God knows your name and loves you. Additionally, He honors you. Even when you forget to acknowledge Him, He still pours into you.
5. I am the Lord, and there is no other. Apart from Me there is no God.
This point is critical. Basically, God’s claims elevate Him to a place no other can occupy. So, put God first, and don’t let anything become more important. Why? Because there is nothing more important.
6. Plus, I will strengthen you.
God promises to strengthen you in each tomorrow – in each New Year. People get weary. God designed you to depend on Him. Plus, He knows you need rest and renewal. So, keep the Sabbath Day. And let God strengthen you every day.
7. Sometimes I hide Myself from you.
Sometimes God chooses to be hidden for various reasons. We often don’t understand this. Likely, it has something to do with your growth in faith in Him. Difficult times expose if you are really trusting Him.
8. Turn to Me in every situation and get help.
God wants to help you. So, turn to Him. This is a very relational statement. Notice the words “in every situation.” Incidentally, there is no scenario God does not want to be involved in your life. He’s the incredible Friend you’ve always wanted.
This is what these phrases mean. Equally, their profound meaning is why your relationship with God is the one thing you need this year.
3. Make It Personal
We’ve explored what these phrases say and mean. Now, let’s make it personal, looking at each phrase again in a practical way.
1. I will go before you and will level the mountains.
What have you found helpful as you go into a new situation? A New Year? Do you relax in the knowledge God has promised to go before you? The fact that He’s leveling your path and waiting for you to join Him in your future is very reassuring.
God is committed to you and is with you as you travel life’s journey.
Will you believe Him completely and stay close to Him even when you can’t see what’s ahead?
2. I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.
All through life, you run into barriers and walls that keep you from making progress. God can break barriers and open a way for you. That’s His part. Your part is to go forward into tomorrow with hope in God. As a result, He’s will do what you cannot – as long as you stay on His path.
God is strong for you.
Will you trust Him to intervene and do what you cannot, even if His timing is longer or different from yours?
3. And I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places.
One of life’s mysteries is to continually look for treasure. Often, the most valuable things in life are simple things all around you. Plus, they are hidden in troubles and trials. Oddly, blessings are frequently found in secret places.
God has treasures tucked in secret places for you.
Why not start looking for them?
4. I summon you by name, give you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge Me.
When you forget your value and purpose – PAUSE. When you forget to connect with God for a time – PAUSE. In those pauses, reconnect with the Lord. Hear your name spoken from His heart. Remember He honors you and wants relationship with you.
God designed you with honor and wants intimacy with you.
Do you summon God by name and honor Him throughout your day?
5. I am the Lord, and there is no other. Apart from Me there is no God.
What’s in your life that has become more important than God? Whatever it is, set it aside. Then, take time to purposefully reconnect with God.
Remarkably, God is “for you” and wants you to succeed.
Do you accept His help and remember how great He is?
6. Plus, I will strengthen you.
Where do you turn when you run out of energy and strength? Incidentally, God promises to renew your strength – if you turn to Him.
God wants your first stop to be Him.
Are you connecting with Him for renewal and strength throughout your day?
7. Sometimes I hide Myself from you.
I’m sure you’ve sometimes felt lonely. You may have asked – “God, where are You?” – because you can’t see or sense Him.
God wants you to grow in faith and know He is with you even when He hides Himself from you.
Why not resolve to trust God even when you can’t see Him?
8. Turn to Me in every situation and get help.
It helps to have good habits. Incidentally, this is one of those. If you have to, set reminders to turn to God all through your day until it becomes more natural.
God wants to do life with you. Plus, He wants to help.
Are you willing to develop the habit of turning to Him in all things?
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
The questions of application are the same ones I asked in “Make It Personal.” I hope you will take these question to heart. Even in difficult times in this New Year.
- Will you believe God completely and commit to stay close to Him?
- Will you trust Him to intervene and do what you cannot, even if His timing is longer or different than yours?
- Why not start looking for treasure in secret places?
- Do you summon God by name and honor Him throughout your day?
- Do you accept His help and remember how great He is?
- Are you connecting with Him for renewal and strength throughout your day?
- Why not resolve to trust God even when you can’t see Him?
- Are you willing to develop the habit of turning to Him in all things?
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