The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
It’s hard to believe that it is already November. The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner with Christmas following soon behind. Where has the time gone? What happened to all the plans I made? Why does it feel like I haven’t accomplished everything I set out to do?
If you’re like me, you may find yourself asking those questions. As you look back, the whole year seems to be a blur. You know that you had the best of intentions but things just didn’t seem to come together the way you had hoped. Something or someone got in your way, you reason. Or maybe you got in your own way. You may feel discouraged, wondering if you’ll ever accomplish your goals.
But you don’t have to stay in that mindset. And you needn’t wait until the new year to resolve to do better. Get up. Dust yourself off. And by all means try again.
But how? What can you differently?
Well, I don’t have all the answers, but I can offer some suggestions that may help you get back on track. Give some thought to the actions and Bible verses below:
RELAX
Don’t beat yourself up. That’s not what God wants for you. He knows everything about you so He knows what you’ve been up against. He knows your frustrations, your weaknesses, your every anxious thought. He knows that sometimes you get tired of trying, and He even knows that sometimes you may be your own worst enemy. He asks that you cast your burdens on Him and rest in His promises.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
REGROUP
Be willing to take a closer look at your goals. Ask yourself if you’re in line with God’s vision for your life. Talk to God about what His plans are for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
RE-FOCUS
Keep your eyes on God. Ask Him to help you set your priorities.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
RE-COMMIT
You can make a conscious decision to re-commit yourself and your goals to the Lord. Ask Him to help you stay on the right track and not get discouraged when distractions come your way.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Relax, regroup, re-focus, re-commit. They sound like four simple steps, but make no mistake, accomplishing these steps will take a bit of time and effort, especially as you fill in the specifics of your situation. It may not be an easy process but it will be well worth it, you’ll see.
So yes, November is here, and the holidays are just around the corner. Likely the upcoming days will be swamped with planning holiday festivities. And before you know it, it will be January 1, and the resolution cycle will begin for many all over again. So don’t wait. Take time today to seek the Lord about His plans not only for your life but for this day, this moment.
Take every opportunity to ask God to order your steps along the path that He would have you to go. Don’t let the busy-ness of the holidays, or any day, distract you from what God has for you. Keep going. Keep trying. Keep moving. Don’t ever give up because God’s best plans for you may be waiting just around the corner.
Which of the above steps is the most difficult for you?
