What are you Running To?
I’m not typically a big “word of the year” person, but sometimes a word or phrase comes to me. This is one of those years. I want to share my phrase with you because I hope it will encourage you as you step into this new year.
My phrase for 2024 is “running to.”
I’m quite skilled in the art of running. Not physical running, but emotional running. When something gets uncomfortable, or I’m fed up, I run away. It’s much easier for me to run from something than to stay and work it out.
For the past few years, I’ve been focused on changing this tendency within me. Instead of bolting the second I feel uncomfortable, I’ve been choosing to stay in conversations, stay in relationships for longer than I had previously.
Knowing this tendency of mine, I started to see “running” as a negative because I have most frequently used it negatively. But running itself isn’t bad. It’s all about your motivation.
This year, I want to focus on “running to” instead of “running from.”
“But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.” Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG)
“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:33 (NIV)
In 2024, I want to run to:
God
The people of God
The things of God
The fruit of the Spirit
Justice and righteousness
Shalom
That’s a pretty good list, right?
How about you? What is your focus for 2024? What is your prayer for this new year?
I pray that in 2024, you are rooted and planted in God, with his people, and walking in step with the Holy Spirit, doing whatever he has empowered you to do. May you be fertile ground for the fruit of the Spirit to bloom, and may you be an instrument of justice, righteousness, and shalom in your home, workplace, neighborhood, and church. May you be blessed to run to God and all that he has for you.
New Resources
A new year means new resources. My hope is that these free digital devos will be bite-sized pieces of encouragement that will help you as you continue this journey through a life of faith.
Thanks so much for reading and being part of this journey with me! I’m so grateful for you!
If you have a word or phrase of the year, drop it in the comments.
And if there are any other resources that you’d love to see, leave a comment, and I’ll try to make it happen in the coming months.