Walking Into the New Year and a New Decade with 20/20 Vision

As we step into a new year and the dawn of a new decade, I can't help but reflect on how the Lord has been stirring some fresh thoughts in my heart. Some time ago, 2020 and "20/20" vision started popping into my mind.  Of course, now, it feels like I see it everywhere, but I promise, this image was planted in my heart as I looked ahead to 2020.

So, what does it mean?  You know the saying,

“Hindsight is twenty-twenty.” It is easier to understand a situation only after it has happened.

But here's what I feel like the Lord is whispering: as we move into 2020, we already carry the hindsight and wisdom we need to face whatever this year and decade may bring.  Don’t doubt yourself. The Lord has equipped you with everything you need to pursue your goals and visions. Don’t let the past stop you!!

Take a cue from Paul: “Forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead.” (And yes, I can almost hear someone arguing with me: “but I really messed up…financially, or with sin – or other choices.”  Listen – Paul, who had quite a track record himself (think ‘Osama bin Laden’ of the day!) still insisted, “FORGET THE PAST.”

Paul calls for us to press forward toward new goals and fresh visions.  Do not keep dragging around the weight of yesterday (Philippians 4:13-14). 20/20 vision propels you into the future.

Many aspects of life continue with us, such as work, studies, church, and choices of hobbies and recreation. However, now is the time to pause and prayerfully review and rethink your commitments and contracts. Is the Lord nudging you to renegotiate some things? The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will show you how to handle these matters with wisdom and graciousness, diplomatically.

I know I have some goals for this year that are the same as last year.  I miserably failed to achieve my weight loss and exercise goals.  But guess what? I will not let the failure of 2019 determine my success and focus for 2020. I'm using my "20/20 vision" to craft a smarter plan and add some accountability. Can anyone relate?

Hebrew Year 5780 – The Year of the Voice

Here's another layer that has been on my mind: we're also entering the Hebrew year 5780, which began in September 2019. Patricia King shared some powerful insight into what this year represents in Hebrew meaning: this coming decade is about "the voice." This hit close to home for me, since I was helping my brother recover from major tongue surgery at the time. Most of his tongue was removed and surgically recreated, so his literal voice was never far from our thoughts.

Patricia King said, “God is looking for those who will open their mouths and proclaim His Word with true conviction.” 5780 is the year for us to decree God's promises.  Job 22:28 says, “Decree a thing and it will be established, and the light will shine on all your ways.” Want to dig into Patricia King's teaching? Here is the link to the teaching.

What To Do – How To Think It Through

• Pray and write down your fresh visions and goals. Don't be discouraged if they are repeats from last year. Forget the past and move forward!

• If they are the same, ask yourself why. Rick Renner uses this verse to re-motivate.  “No discipline feels pleasant or enjoyable at the time it is happening. But later on, it produces long-awaited righteous fruit in the lives of those who are willing to undergo the discipline required to attain it” (Hebrews 12:11). He makes this verse applicable to any discipline he is developing.

• Revisit your commitments and contracts? Anything that needs renegotiating, write it down. Seek the Lord's wisdom in making upgrades that bless everyone involved. Be bold and move forward.

• What needs to change to free up more time, resources, or energy? Sometimes it takes a tough decision to clear the way for what God has next.

• And don't forget your voice! This is the year to speak, to decree.  Write down what you want to declare over your life this year.  Do it daily. Watch for the changes.

• What in your spirit needs an upgrade? Prayerfully invite God to show you. He is for you and not against you. The Holy Spirit is your best teacher.

May this New Year and the New Decade be the best yet!!