“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,” Ephesians 1:18, NIV
A few years ago, I traded my New Year’s resolutions for a word or phrase to embrace throughout the following months. I was tired of spending hours thinking of all the ways I wanted to improve, only to abandon my goals by the end of January.
Focusing on a word, phrase, or Bible verse for the year stopped the cycle of setting unrealistic expectations and released me from shame and guilt. I'm shaking things up as we approach the turning of a new year. Inspired by Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, with its rich instruction for Christians, I decided to focus on these truths and reminders this year.
Paul’s primary goal in writing to the church of Ephesus was to remind them of the abundance of blessings they have received in their salvation in Christ. Paul wrote to encourage them as they seek to glorify God. The letter is filled with theological and practical implications for believers' lives, but the verses concluding the first chapter of Paul’s letter stop readers in their tracks.
In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul is thanking the Lord for the believers in Ephesus and offers a prayer on their behalf. Paul prays not only for spiritual wisdom but also for their hearts to be enlightened to remember what God has already done and for their faith to be strengthened as they prepare for what God will do in their lives.
Often, we struggle to see God at work in our lives, but we can stand firmly in faith by looking back on all the ways He has kept His promises. Specifically, Paul urges us to cling to God's promise to Adam and Eve in Genesis. Sin entered the world, thus separating us from God, but He will provide a way for us to be reconciled. That way was through sending his son, Jesus, as a lowly baby, his death, and resurrection so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. Our hope is not in our present circumstances. Instead, it is in the promise that we will be with our Lord and Savior one day for all eternity!
Instead of New Year goals, let's choose a verse. Maybe, like me, you can use this prayer as a guided focus verse to remind yourself of all the blessings in Christ this year.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your grace and mercy towards such undeserving sinners. There are no words to express our intense gratitude for the gift of salvation. As we approach this new year, we release control over our calendars and surrender each day to you.
We ask that our faith remain strong as we face trials, uncertainty, and life. That our love for others will be evident among the body of believers and the lost. Help us to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who have given their lives to missions locally, nationally, and internationally. We pray that you will protect them as they take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Lord, we ask for wisdom; we call on the Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts and minds with revelation so that we can know You more and more each day. Let the eyes of our hearts be open and receptive to receiving your Truths. When we have sinned against You, let us be quick to confess and change our behavior. When others have sinned against us, help us give forgiveness and grace freely.
Let us cling to the eternal hope found in Christ alone; may we remember the power of Christ that lives inside of believers. Help us in our weakness; let the Spirit speak when we don’t know what to say. May we live in such a way that demonstrates to a lost world the love of their Savior.
We commit this year to you; let us honor you with our time and finances. Let our hearts be humbled as we steward your blessings well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©CarlosDavid.org
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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