What needs to change this year for personal flourishing? Prioritize your spiritual life over busy schedules and discover the beauty of a life centered around God. Dive into the practice of dedicating the year to divine guidance, seeking personal words to shape your journey. Strengthening your connection with God takes commitment amid chaos. Embrace reduced screen time and engage with reflection tools for deeper faith. Let go of stress, consecrate your year, and structure your days around the divine for true fulfillment.
The importance of centering one's life around God rather than fitting Him into an already busy schedule fosters authentic spiritual flourishing.
Dedicating various aspects of life to God through consecration and seeking specific guidance can enhance emotional health and commitment to faith.
Deep dives
The All-In Invitation
The podcast emphasizes the radical invitation of Jesus for complete discipleship and alignment with Him as a pathway to true meaning, joy, and love. This life, however, is only accessible to those who are genuinely committed rather than those who approach it casually. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect during the transitional period between the old year and the new, suggesting that meaningful pauses and moments of reflection can enhance emotional health and rootedness in faith. They highlight that facing emotional truths is essential, particularly in recognizing and letting go of unfulfilled expectations from past celebrations.
Consecration and Union with God
The discussion also centers on the importance of dedicating the new year to God through the practice of consecration. This involves going through various aspects of one’s life—home, finances, and personal goals—and intentionally placing them under God's governance. Additionally, the concept of seeking an 'advanced word' or theme for the year is introduced, suggesting that God may provide specific guidance or scripture to focus on throughout the upcoming year. Listeners are encouraged to think about their union with God and how that relationship can be deepened to facilitate a flourishing spiritual life.
Facing Reality for Flourishing
The importance of facing reality is underscored, as emotional health is tied to one's ability to assess life honestly and ask what needs to change. The hosts assert that the life of God and His resources are readily available, but they can only be accessed by those who fully engage in their spiritual journey. They discuss the dangers of trying to fit God into a busy life, advocating for a shift in mindset where the relationship with God is prioritized above all else. This foundational change sets the stage for true flourishing and spiritual abundance, as relying solely on personal strengths and timing leads to disconnection.
The Shift from Child to Partner Model
The podcast introduces a transformative shift from viewing God as a parent who meets one's needs to engaging with Him in a partnership focused on what God wants to achieve. Maturity in faith involves moving from a self-centered approach to one where individuals seek to participate in God's mission and priorities. This partnership fosters deeper relationships with God and encourages proactive engagement in life, rather than running on emotional fumes or aspirations. Ultimately, realizing the necessity of spiritual disciplines and practices is framed as vital for authentic interaction with God, spotlighting the need for systematic prayer, scripture reading, and intentionality in building a meaningful faith life.
What needs to change this year for you to flourish? The mistake most make is trying to fit God into already busy schedules. John and Allen offer a radical realignment for the new year. Rather than give God the margins of our kingdoms, we can choose a life centered in God and his Kingdom. Discover the beauty of a partnership model, one where you structure your days to be more deeply rooted in God.
Other resources include the Wild at Heart Daily Prayer and Bedtime Prayer(Both available in the WAH app, link below), the Lectio 365 app, and the Pray As You Go app.