Dear 2023, I hear whispers that you are going to be tougher than 2022.
Can we please make a deal?
Can we please agree here and now, that we will at least have each other's back this time?
I felt so betrayed by 2022, I don't think I can face that level of disappointment again.
I know that interest rates are on the rise, I know that the cost of living is on the rise, and I know that there is still division between families and communities post- "that" conversation ...
I have learned to use the pang of loneliness to my advantage, and, as I have been left to my ow thoughts for so long, I have decided a few things.
Firstly, I feel that the best New Year's Resolution we can focus on together in preparation for you 2023, is simply - RESOLVE.
I think what the world needs the most in 2023 is: RESOLVE.
Please, help me out, 2023 in spreading this message ... I reassure you .... it will be for everyone's good ....
Resolve.
Such a simple little word.
Let me explain what I mean:
Resolution means "a firm decision to do or not to do something", or "the quality of being determined or resolute", it is the act of analysing a complex notion into simpler ones; the act of answering, or solving; and the act of determining.
We need to be more determined in 2023.
In 2023, I believe we need to be more resolute about who we are, about what we stand for, and about what we are willing to tolerate, and therefore, what we are willing to fight for.
Without resolve, we are tossed about by the wind of indecision, and by every false doctrine that comes to decieve.
Resolution can be understood as discipline, as certainty, as intentionality, purposefulness, as spirit, as steadfastness, as stubbornness, decidedness and staying power.
Having a firm resolve takes courage, boldness, constancy, dedication, fortitude, guts, heart, perseverance, relentlessness, tenacity, willpower and staunchness.
My question is - do we have this virtue individually, and do we have this virtue corporately to face whatever 2023 will throw at us?
Let's not be taken off-guard as we were in 2022.
Virtues are what we should aspire to in this world, for it lasts longer than any relationship, any possession and any title or position.
Virtue builds character, and virtue creates an eternal contribution to self.
Let's be honest though - I don't think most people know WHAT to be resolute about in 2023.
To have a strong resolve means you know who you are, you have healthy boundaries, and you have the back-bone required to stand up for what you believe in - for yourself, your family, and your community.
Are you ready for 2023?
Are we ready for 2023 as a collective?
Are we ready to carry our resolve through to the end?
What are we resolute in doing/achieving in 2023?
More to the point - what do we value?
If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will know and understand that we do not have all of the solutions and answers to all of life's problems ... we often don't even know how to solve our own problems - let alone anyone else's - or the world's!
This means, that we need to look to outside our own resources, our own knowledge and wisdom - our own influences and powers towards a Higher Power, that can provide the wisdom, discernment, a leading and guiding to the TRUTH, to LIHGHT, LIFE and SUCCESS we all need to not only survive 2023, but to THRIVE!
This journey to spiritual discovery may look different for different people.
The truth is, there are many 'constants' or ultimate truths we work within every day.
Gravity is one.
As we contemplate what these might be in 2023, and meditate on what we will resolve to do and to stand for in 2023, we are reminded that the 'constants' that we all thought we could trust in the form of man-made institutions in 2022 have been obliterated as an option in our reality.
We can no longer trust man-made institutions as we once did - the veil has been lifted for most of us.
In this midst of this uncertainty and financial instability, there is one virtue we all need above all else in 2023 to survive the challenge we know it will be....
HUMILITY.
The word humility is defined as "the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance”, "freedom from pride or arrogance”.
We can no longer afford to walk around with Prideful self-importance.
It is time for us to abandon the worship of self, for we have proven that the heart of mankind is susceptible to corruption and greed at the cost of great tragedy.
Humility means “the state of being humble.”
Both it and humble have their origin in the Latin word humilis, meaning "low."
Secular institutions have recognised the importance of humility, especially in leadership:
“If leadership has a secret sauce, it may well be humility. A humble boss understands that there are things he doesn't know. He listens: not only to the other bigwigs, but also to the kind of people who don't get invited.” - The Economist, 26 January 2013
Forbes listed the 13 Habits of Humble People as:
Situationally Aware;
Retaining Relationships;
Making Difficult Decisions with Ease;
Putting Others First;
Actively Listening;
Curiosity;
Speaking their Minds;
Taking the Time to Say Thank You;
An Abundance Mentality;
Starting Sentences with “You” Rather Thank “I”;
Accepting Feedback;
Assuming Responsibility; and
Asking For Help.
For many, the lowness in both humility and humble is something worth cultivating.
But, how do we do this, particularly in a self-absorbed society, that reinforces the idea that you need to constantly promote yourself, love yourself, look out for yourself, and be your best champion.
Ultimately, humility is a spiritual discipline.
Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things.
It entails not taking our desires, successes, or failings too seriously.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why we should pursue spiritual humility in our lives:
“Be humble before the Lord, and He will make you great.” [James 4;10]
Despite what this world tells you, it is in the act of humble submission that the Lord will lift you up - give you more opportunities and open doors for you like you have never seen before.
Why?
Because humble submission is a test of faithfulness unto the Lord, but pride often leads to destruction:
“A proud person will soon be ruined, but a humble person will be honoured.” [Proverbs 18:12]
Humility precedes honour.
In His perfect time, the Lord honours us, if we live a life of Humility and Obedience to His Will.
“Wisdom teaches you to respect and honour the Lord. You must be humbled before you can be honoured.” [Proverbs 15:33]
Humility is a virtue above many others, and is a true sign of spiritual wealth:
“It is better to be a humble person living among the poor than to share the wealth among the proud.” [Proverbs 16:19]
The sacrifice of humble submission to the Lord is preferred to all other sacrifices:
“The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit. God, you will not turn away someone who comes with a humble heart and is willing to obey you.” [Psalm 51:1
Humility means that you will yield your will to His Will - without question - because He knows better!
Humility means that you acknowledge and recognise the Divinity, the Supremacy and the Wisdom of the Lord - and that His ways are higher than our own:
“Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:9]
Be faithful with which He has placed in your hands - and He will give you more!
If the Lord knows He can trust you with little, then He will trust you with much. [Luke 16:1014]
The Lord distinguishes between the humble and the proud with consequences:
“The Lord supports the humble, but he shames the wicked.” [Psalm 147:6]
Humility is a spiritual discipline - and it is also a spiritual position, that can be seen in the heart of every man, woman and child - in their actions, words and deeds.
Humility is powerful to change any situation, and it is powerful to heal.
“… if my people who are called by my name become humble and pray, and look for me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” [2 Chronicles 7:14]
Humility needs to be a personal daily practice, and a corporate commitment to God.
Humility needs to come from the lowest to the highest: from average Joe, as well as from the highest ranking leader in the land.
Humility is necessary for us in 2023, and needs to be practiced by all.
Those who humble themselves before God are promised a life filled with God’s presence - for all eternity!
"Great blessings belong to those who are humble. They will be given the land God promised.” [Matthew 5:5]
Jesus taught us humility, above all else. He said:
“Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” [Matthew 11:29]
Jesus said: ”People who think they are better than others will be made humble. But people who humble themselves will be made great.” [Matthew 23:12]
The Kingdom of Heaven has an upside down culture to what we see displayed in the world.
That is because the spirit of this world which rules and reigns for a time opposes God Himself.
Selfishness, self-importance, self-worship, and self-obsession are all concepts from this opposite Spirit.
“Everyone who makes themselves important will be made humble. But everyone who makes themselves humble will be made important.” [Luke 14:11]
So, will you continue in your prideful arrogance in 2023, or will you humbly submit to a Higher Power - God - knowing He knows better, because He is above all as Divine, Sovereign, Holy and Perfect.
What is your resolve in 2023?
What virtue are you determined to develop this coming year?
What will you look to for HOPE in 2023?
May you be blessed in your spiritual journey to TRUTH!
Shalom,
Andrea.
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