10 Jan Don’t Panic!
It’s the second Monday of the New Year and a bunch of us out there are starting to panic. 2022 has launched, the ship is pulling away from the pier, and you’re still packing your bags. You feel panic setting in because you don’t have Christmas put away yet. You haven’t caught up from 2021–heck, you haven’t caught up from 2020! You don’t have a 2022 planner yet. Looks like your word-for-the-year is going to be “wait,” and so far your theme for 2022 is, “I’m running behind!”
Is that you? Well, you’re not alone, friend, and I’m here to tell you- DON’T PANIC! It’s ok. God’s got you and this year under His control. He will order your steps and set the PACE for you. HE WILL HELP YOU! This was such a comforting welcome to me as I opened my Bible on January 1st, already feeling so far behind: “I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice…For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! Fear not…I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:10-14, AMP).
Who says you have to jump out of the gate on January 1 with a million boxes checked off your to-do list? Just do your part; do the next right thing—whatever that is; do your best at it, and do it at your pace. Remember, God is already doing His part to help you. So, kick that panic to the curb and breathe into 2022— quiet the noise, stop the hurry, be present and in the moment, and “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG).
Take the month of January to reflect on 2021 and move intentionally into the next 11 months with God’s help. He always does what He says He will do, and He’s already told you that He will help you. That’s His promise to you. Believe Him. Take some time to just be with Him. Let Him set your pace for this New Year and get into rhythm with Him. Follow the Good Shepherd and He’ll lead you, not chase you, at a pace that enables you to flourish; to be what He created you to be, and to do what He purposes for you to do in this New Year.
I love y’all!
xo P♥️