A Prayer for God’s Guidance in the Year Ahead - Your Daily Prayer - January 1

I feel a bit lost right now. It’s not that I don’t know where I am; I just feel a little unsure of where to go next. I can sense some sort of change is needed. Is it now? If not, when? And what exactly are the specific steps I’m supposed to take? Around the end of the year, I’m really good at settling into the sweet stillness of the holiday season, but as soon as the Christmas tree is packed up, the house is set to semi-normal again, and the kids are back off to school, I know it’s time to get to work. With whatever God has in store for me, this brand new big year staring back at me. 

I watch and witness people sharing resolutions, hopes, and dreams for the near future, but what does God want for me, I wonder. I have some ideas, but I want to be sure. I want to know I’m in line with His best for my life. After all, I’ve learned He definitely knows best. Can you feel any of this? Maybe you have a few tentative ideas, goals, and plans for the next season. But do you want to be sure of what God wants for you? Could you use some confidence that what you're about to embark on is the path to the purpose you’ve been craving too?

I know. Well, what are we to do? 

The Bible assures us that God will guide us. Yet, if I’m being honest, I know this, but still need and seek confirmation that I’m hearing His instructions and calls properly. To give you a real-life example, I recently had a friend convict me of something. I was telling her I wasn’t sure if something I was considering moving forward with was from God or just bubbling up from my own desires. She then asked if I had given it up to the Lord. If I’d been in close contact, connection, and prayer to get guidance from God. I assured her I was. To which she then suggested maybe I should walk through and toward the doors that were currently opening. And continue following the calls that keep coming. 

And I think she’s got a great point we can both take away here. It’s this: If we are truly in Him, we can trust that what’s happening to, within, and around us will eventually lead us where He wants us. The key is to keep the connection close to and strong with Him, our almighty counselor and lifeline. I know I need to hold tight to this reminder. And rest in the reassurance of right here, where He has brought me.

Friend, when you go to God, He will guide you too. He will satisfy your needs wherever he leads you. And He will strengthen you for the road, whether it be full of bumps and dips, smooth as still water, or longer and windier than you think you can withstand. He will hold and sustain you. And He will do the same for me, like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Stay close. Stay connected. He is guiding you now. And He won’t ever stop.  

Let’s Pray:

Lord God,
You are always with me and ready to guide me. The only varying factor is my willingness to call on You and stay close and connected to you. So often, I wonder what path to take and long for confidence and direction. But I know as long as I surrender every situation, circumstance, and choice to You, I can trust the doors You open and the steps I choose. You are walking beside me every moment, You always guide me when I grasp your hand, and I can be confident You will ultimately lead me toward something good for your glory. Lord, I am so thankful You know what is best and that I can rely on You to take me there.
In Your trustworthy name, amen.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Alvaro Moreno Perez

Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.

Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer, where you can sign up to receive it every evening in your inbox. We are also offering it in podcast form at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on God.

Listen to the Your Nightly Prayer Podcast

Struggling with acceptance or feeling misunderstood? Remember, your true identity is found in being fully known and loved by God. Let His unconditional love be your anchor, and rest tonight in the assurance that you are cherished beyond measure. Listen to this episode of Your Nightly Prayer, and if you like what you hear, subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss a new episode!


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