A new year brings fresh possibilities. It's a time when people set goals—get fit, save money, learn a new skill. But what about our spiritual lives? What if, this year, we focused on deepening our faith and growing closer to God?
The Importance of Spiritual Goals
Just like physical and mental goals, spiritual growth requires intentionality. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Faith isn’t stagnant; it’s a journey. Setting spiritual goals helps us stay on course.
Getting out of a dry spell
It is true that sometimes we have 'dry spells' in our journey's. In one sense there is nothing to worry about, it is the nature of life, yet neither should we become complacent.
God has given us practices that help us refocus on the purposes he has called to, that call us back to walking actively in his presence.
Set a simple goal to stop each day, express appreciation for the world you see, to pause and ponder the scriptures, to connect deeper into community.
Take these simple steps and in time you will find a depth developing, a satisfaction in the Lord being rebirthed.
Setting Your Spiritual Goals
Deepen Your Prayer Life Prayer isn’t about fancy words; it’s about relationship. Set a goal to spend time with God daily—whether through structured prayer, journaling, or simply talking to Him throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray continually."). Maybe, take ten minutes just to pray in the Spirit as you focus on everything God has for you in the day.
Read and Reflect on Scripture God's Word is our foundation. Choose a reading plan, study a book of the Bible, or memorize verses. Start with Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Deeper reflection on the scriptures is more importance than just churning scripture to achieve a reading goal. The goal is not text read, it is a life transformed by the cleansing of the word. Give the word time to dwell in you.
Dive deeper into community We grow best in community. Get connected to a life community, don't only show up when convenient, make this a conviction. Choose to serve in ministry, service is not about you nor your likes or dislikes, it is about others. Build deeper relationships within your church. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Do something! Faith isn’t just about knowing—it’s about doing. Find ways to serve others, share your testimony, and put your faith into action (James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.").
A Challenge for the Year
This year, don’t just set resolutions—set spiritual rhythms. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting growth. Start with one goal, stick with it, and watch how God moves in your life.
Looking to get connected? Divergent Church has multiple communities where you can grow in faith together. Divergent Church Canberra Divergent Church Queanbeyan Divergent Church Goulburn Divergent Church Tallong Divergent Church Port Macquarie Synergy Church in Colac
Comments