Intention

I wonder if living perplexed led you to consider ways to live with intention in 2023? Have you been able to ponder how to enter the new year with desire and purpose with God? We are only 10 days into the new year so there is plenty of time to consider this question. 😊

Because we live secure in the presence (Hebrews 13:5) and power (Psalm 91) of God, approaching life with resolve and intention invites trust and growth into His peace (John 14:27) and plan (Proverbs 19:21). Intentional living develops freedom, rest, and joy.

Intention – an aim or plan, have (a course of action) as one’s purpose or objective; plan, or design for a particular purpose or end, done on purpose; deliberate.

I marvel at the goodness of God. After writing “Perplexed” the Lord guided my mind and heart through my daily reading of the Psalms. Through this practice I noticed God’s invitations to me for this year. I desire to live life on purpose, deliberate, flexible to the ups and downs of daily life and yet purposeful with an aim and trajectory for transformation. The Spirit whispered to my soul through the Scriptures.

In what ways do you live with a purpose and plan? How might you live with greater intention?

Often, we develop plans for our work. Whether we work as a businessman, financial advisor, mother, construction worker, teacher, minister, student, etc., we create detailed aims for fruitful activity. We initiate reading plans for personal and professional growth. We collaborate with others in strategic ways to assess and set a trajectory for development and multiplication. We set measurable goals with accountability to guide our commitments. Yet, what about you personally, your inner being? How deliberate are the plans for the work within your soul?

After pondering several Psalms, I sense God offering direction for my soul in this coming year. Three sets of verses stir within me to guide my path. While these Scriptures were written to specific people during ancient times, I glean timeless insights for modern application today. I discern by the Spirit the ways of God through them, which gives intentionality to my steps today. I hope that my wondering with the Word encourages your own curiosity about living with intention with God in regards to your soul.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (Psalm 20:7-8).

God summons me (and each of us) to trust in Him alone. When we depend on our own human strength, resources, and accomplishments, we always falls short in comparison to the incomprehensible character of God. He alone is Almighty. We can find rest and stability in Him!

If we rely on ourselves, we may temporally appear strong, but eventually all people will experience humility and correction. Those who remember the Lord stand in heavenly strength and confidence. I notice God drawing my soul to trust in His name, rise, and stand firm with His power and strength. How about you?

What helps you remember the name of the Lord throughout the day? In what ways does the Spirit help you rise and stand firm in God?

“You bestow on him blessings forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trust in the Lord and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved” (Psalm 21:6-7).

In this Psalm, David recounted God’s blessings. The king prospered because he trusted in what God could do. Likewise, we too can experience God’s blessings in His presence. When we spend time with the Lord, His fellowship provides joy. Resting in the presence of God overwhelms us with the greatest blessing, which is Himself.

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence. Receive the joy and blessing of His companionship with you in life.

We find encouragement to trust in the Lord from this Psalm, as well as to recognize the reality that through the steadfast abundant love of God we live life with resolve. God Most High empowers us to live with conviction instead of distraction. We live free in Him. God’s love holds our souls, fortifies our inner being, and secures us for eternity.

With what conviction does the Holy Spirit ask you to live resolutely, unmoved by culture and the world? Thank God for the ways His steadfast love holds, fortifies, and secures you.

I pondered the ways God wanted me to intentionally live out these two sets of Scripture. Then, He reminded me of Psalm 15:1-2.

O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak truth from their heart.

How can you and I live in the presence of God? What does trusting in God look like in daily life? Choosing to abide in God’s presence this year and surrender to His formation of our souls requires cooperation with Him. 

The Psalmist challenges us today to walk blamelessly, or as the Message translation puts it, walk straight. Dwelling with God also involves acting rightly. Our activity needs to reflect the righteousness of God which means living upright in the light. The Psalmist also knew that the ways we speak reveal our inner being. The upright and righteous person speaks truth in love. As we walk straight, act right, and speak truthfully we dwell with God, trust in Him, and spread His love.

Tend to your soul with intention and purpose this year. Let God’s Word stir within you and lead you in deliberate living. Allow these Scriptures and others to invite you into freedom, rest, and joy.

May God transform each of our inner being. Together let us trust in the name of the Lord, rise, and stand upright. Embrace the steadfast love of the Most High which offers joyful strength to live with conviction and confidence. By the power of the Holy Spirit within, may we also walk straight, do right, and speak truth.

Here’s to an intentional year of living!

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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.

Matthew 12:34 –Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Hebrews 13:5 – God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.

Rick Warren.  The Purpose Driven Life. Grand Rapids, MI. 2002.

Timothy Keller. The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms. New York, NY. 2015.

Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.

Colton Dixon. Build a Boat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjaKKAsQc34

Elevation Worship. Same God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LawxIZE9ePE

Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.

January 13  – Littleton, CO
Breathe Retreat (A two hour spiritual retreat for women) – Join us. Email me for more information.