Pre-New Year's Reflection

"Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, 'If you return to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.'" --1 Samuel 7:3, NKJV

I came across this verse today and decided it's a perfect preparing-for-the-New-Year verse. I may not be one for making a bunch of self-defeating resolutions, but I am one to reflect, analyze, evaluate, and goal set. I like the fresh start concept that comes with entering a New Year!

And that's kind of where the Israelites were when Samuel made the above statement. The Philistines were threatening them, and they were scared. They wanted God's help, but they had been unfaithful to Him. Samuel called them on it. "Either you're serving God wholeheartedly or you're not. If you are, prove it. Then He will help you." The Israelites chose to follow God, and He miraculously delivered them from their fearsome enemies.

What's this have to do with New Year's? As we enter 2012, let's take the time to reflect, analyze, evaluate, and set goals as Samuel encouraged followers of God to do. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I dwelling in God's Presence with all my heart?
• Are there any other gods in my life? If so, how can I put them away once and for all?
• How can I best prepare my heart for the LORD? --on a moment-by-moment, daily basis? --for His second coming which could happen at any time and someday, most certainly, will?
• In everything I do, am I serving only God?

If we follow Samuel's advice and give our loyalty to God alone, He'll lead us into and through 2012 according to His perfect Will. With God in charge, we can face whatever comes.

Lord, I give You all my heart. If there are any other gods in my life, if anything is competing for my loyalty, please point them out that I may immediately put them away. You are God; there is no other! Help me to consciously prepare my heart for You--moment-by-moment, every day. I live to serve You only. Please deliver me from anyone or anything that seeks to enslave me, and lead me into and through 2012 according to Your Will. This New Year (and every one after for always) belongs to You. Amen.