Five Things to Quit in 2020!
Hello my beautiful friends! As we approach the New Year, I decided to sit down and consider five things I’m working on not bringing with me into 2020. It can be so easy for the years to pass us by without seeing much growth, but this year, I’ve determined will be different…not because I’ve set my mind on a multitude of goals, but because I’m choosing to solely set my main focus on one: Growing in nearness and obedience to God. I hope quitting the following inspires you as you enter 2020!
Fear of man (Instead: Only fear God)
It’s so easy to be concerned with the thoughts of others...what they think of us, whether they like us, whether they think we’re worthy, or deserving of the things that we have. Some of us fear what people can potentially do to us, whether it be hurting us emotionally, or physically. This can often lead to “people pleasing,” and living a life that revolves around appeasing others. When we shift our fear from man to only fearing God, (meaning living only to please HIM), that is when we find freedom, and are able to rest in our identity in Him.
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
"So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6
Holding grudges (Instead: More peacemaking)
Whether in marriage, friendships, parent-child relationships, etc., harboring bitterness and holding grudges not only stunts relationship growth, but it stunts personal and spiritual growth too. When we hold grudges, we hold ourselves back from being set free! We’re called to forgive others the way God forgave us. There’s nothing anyone can do to us that can compete with the pain that our sin has caused our Heavenly Father, and yet He still chose to forgive us. If Holy God offers forgiveness to us, then how can we withhold it from others? Now, this is way easier said than done, but nevertheless it’s what we are called to do. When necessary, we can truly forgive, and leave toxic relationships that are unwilling to change behind. How do you know when you’ve truly forgiven someone? Being able to pray for their well-being is a great way to see healing in your heart.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:17-18
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
"But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:15
Basking in anxiety (Instead: Trust God)
Anyone else feel on edge in 2019? Maybe a little tense, always worrying, or anxious? We aren't called to live this way! We’re meant to live in freedom, telling God our needs with thankfulness, and trusting in Him to take care of us. When we let go, and let God, we are boasting in our weakness, surrendering our control, and raving in His strength! That’s exactly when we see Him work! I love Martin Luther’s quote,“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” We may experience anxious thoughts from time to time (maybe even daily), but that doesn’t mean we need to entertain them over and over! Let’s let go, and let God!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Selfishness (Instead: Look to the needs of others)
We live in a very self serving culture, but it's important to look to the needs of others as Jesus taught. When we place others ahead of ourselves, it is then that we are truly loving them!
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17
“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
“'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Lack of discipline (Instead: Follow through)
It seems each year passes quicker than the last, and we still lack discipline in certain areas of our lives. It’s time to evaluate what discipline has been lacking, and tackle it without excuses! For me, it’s been a lack of consistency in my morning time spent with God, and that is my personal goal for 2020! I believe becoming disciplined to fill myself with Jesus each morning will pour out into all other areas and relationships of my life where I struggle!
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Thank you for reading “Five Things to Quit in 2020!” What things are you trying to quit in the New Year? Share them in the comments below and let’s inspire each other with some ideas! Plus, I always respond! I want to take a quick moment to thank you all for your love and support in my life, and with this blog! I cannot believe 2019 is about to come to an end, but I’m very much looking forward to growing with you in 2020 as well! Don’t forget, you can follow me on Instagram @coolmomandcollected for more daily updates! See you all in 2020!!
Cool, Calm, and Collectedly Yours,
