Proverbs from the Bible are a good place to turn when you're setting yourself up for a positive new year. In your elder years, it's always helpful to remind yourself of God's love and grace, and reviewing Proverbs can help. If you're starting to get interested in praying more often or building a relationship with God after moving into one of the assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella, Proverbs might get you on the right path for having conversations with the Lord.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
You may think you know what the Lord wants from you, but he does work in mysterious ways. Acknowledge him through your actions, like prayer, and he'll guide you. Turning to God, and recognizing him in everything around you, can help you stay on track in the new year.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”
Your flock might include family and friends, and the new year is a good time to give them attention. What's their condition? How's everything going for them? Are they happy and healthy? Is anyone struggling?
Hard work isn't enough to manage your flock. You also need to put in the mental effort to get to know it, its pains and its virtues.
This quote from the Bible can also apply to your own time management. Think of your daily tasks and goals as your flock. Are you giving your attention to the right things? Are you prioritizing your tasks in the way you should?
New Year's is a good time to get organized and to ask more questions about the things you're doing and the people you're connected to.
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. "
It's easy to start taking people for granted in your life, but it's also possible to stop doing so and be reminded that having a spouse or partner in life is a gift.
In your new year, what can you do to make better connections with your loved one? What can you do to be in service to one another rather than acting on your own selfish desires?
Remember, the people around you support you and are worth more than any amount of money. When you're surrounded by love, you're truly rich. Appreciate what you've been given.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
This simple statement says that no one's really alone and it's possible to work together to become wiser, sharper and a better leader within your community.
In the upcoming year, think about how you can reach out to others to boost your own knowledge or share the knowledge and skills you've developed over time.
There's mutual benefit to helping others thrive, which is something to keep in mind as you approach the next year and the people you come into contact with during it.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Maybe your life isn't what you expected it would be at this point in time. You could have trouble with depression or anxiety about your current position or future.
Proverbs 17:22 reminds you that being thankful and cheerful is some of the best medicine you can find. Wallowing in self-pity and despair doesn't help the situation, but finding the strength to overcome obstacles and be joyous can have a lasting positive impact.
While your last year might've been difficult, your New Year can be great. Focus on the positive and start rebuilding a cheerful heart.
"Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and renounce them find mercy."
The new year is a time for fresh starts, and Proverbs 28:13 is a good piece of scripture to review on that topic. If you feel you've sinned, now may be the right time to approach those you've wronged and ask for forgiveness. Take responsibility for your actions that have hurt others and ask for their forgiveness. In prayer, you can confess your sins as well, and God may grant you his mercy in response.
"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
Finally, in the next year, remember that you can continue to build wisdom and grow your understanding of the world and your relationship with God.
Always be learning. Learn about yourself, your family members, your hobbies and others around you. True wisdom may require you to let go of preconceptions and ideas, but once you really begin to look at the truth around you, it can grant you true understanding.
As the New Year approaches, remember to welcome it with an open heart. Now's the time to reflect and think of how you'd like to make changes. Reading through these Scripture passages may help you start this brainstorming and prayer activity.
