Contributed by May • Feb 6, 2024

At the start of 2024, I resolved to have a closer walk with God this year than I did last year.  I took pride in having built-up a long streak in the Bible application on my mobile phone.  However, due to a particularly busy day at work last week, I missed a day of reading, and I lost that streak, and had to build it up again.

If that was any indication, I believe it was God gently nudging me to prioritise spending time with Him again.  Without me realising it, I have reduced Him to merely opening the Bible app and adding another day to my streak.  Coincidentally, I could feel the anxiety attacks recurring, slowly taking over my gaze on Jesus.

This week’s sermon called to my remembrance of how I could have lost sight of God working in my life.  As I have just recently returned to the workforce, I found myself being far too focused in my new job, striving to be a valued employee and at the same time, wanting to make God proud of me that I can make the cut as an ambassador of Christ in the marketplace too.  In my down moments at work, I do ask God what His greater purpose for me is – is my breakthrough ever going to come?  I do feel that I am in an extended winter season in my life – starting from scratch in gaining relevant working experience, having colleagues who are nearly young enough to be my offspring, etc.  I am cognisant that I should labour unto the Lord and not to men, and this weekend’s sermon gave me renewed hope that seasons change, and that He is making streams in the desert for me.

As the Lord teaches me to count my days, I am encouraged to remain rooted in Christ by being planted in His Word, and to find joy in doing so.  The ‘flourishing’ that I had in mind may look quite different from what I am experiencing now, but I am encouraged to embrace this journey and to trust Him with confident hope and expectations.

I believe that living a flourishing life involves an intentional pursuit of becoming more Christ-like.  I admit I still do not have a full picture of what it is like yet, but I am fairly certain that my Heavenly Father always has my best interest at heart.  I am the apple of His eye and daily His delight.  Finding my purpose in His Word, and to have them hidden in my heart, gives me the confidence and fulfilment that I can and will live the abundant life in Jesus no matter the seasons of my life.