“Reflect and plan” 

These are two important things to do as we close out one year and prepare for the next. Each year I take time in December to consider what God is saying to me. “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'' (Matthew 4:4). The quality of my life depends on my identifying what I believe God is saying. 

I have found that asking myself questions is a great way to connect with the heart and voice of God. Here are five powerful questions to ask yourself as we enter a new year.

1.What are the most important beliefs to renew my mind with for 2024?

“What should I believe in 2024?” is more important than asking “What should I do?” The transformation we desire to see does not come by trying harder but by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). “Renew” implies rehearsing specific beliefs over and over. 

One of the most important revelations we will ever receive is the understanding we can choose what we believe. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

If you struggle to know what to believe, ask yourself what you need to believe to have hope in this specific area of your life. “Now may the God of hope fill you . . .. in believing” (Romans 15:13). Increasing hope is the evidence we are believing truth. 

2. How can I increase the likelihood of encountering God’s love, power, and glory in a life-changing way in 2024?

The disciples of Jesus had a life-changing encounter on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It supernaturally propelled them to powerfully impact society. Those who saw them were amazed. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we encounter the Lord in our personal prayer times, in corporate prayer meetings, in glory-filled worship times, in services where the presence and power of God are manifesting, or by having someone pray over us, we will increase the likelihood of experiencing transformational encounters with the Spirit of God. 

3. What is my plan to deepen the most important relationships in my life in 2024?

Nobody on their deathbed says, “I wish I would have spent more time in the office.” No, most people will focus on regrets concerning relationships. Let’s lessen the likelihood of regret by praying into these deeper questions about relationships:

• Who are the most important people to me? 
• How intentional was I in my connection with them in 2023? 
• What ideas am I getting for increasing my investment in 2024 concerning the important people in my life? 
• What books or events can I access to help me move forward to greater health in heart connection with the key people in my life? 
• What family or relationship-focused ministries or organizations can I get regular input from this year? 
• Who can help me to follow through on my strategy to do relationships in a strong way in 2024?

4. How can I decrease procrastination in 2024?

Both successful and unsuccessful people don’t feel like doing things, but successful people find ways to do what they don’t feel like doing. In other words, successful people learn to overcome procrastination. 

To deal with procrastination, we first need to decide whether something is important to do (overcoming the “woulda, shoulda, coulda syndrome” of not fully deciding if something is vital for this season of life). Once we decide, then we find ways to put good pressure on ourselves to move forward in what we believe we are to do (I pay my assistant $3 for each daily or weekly goal I do not reach). Finally, we celebrate progress and not perfection, as we realize, like a toddler, we will probably have some falls as we learn to walk at higher levels. 

5. What are the biggest changes I need to make in 2024?

This is a powerful question. We cannot put energy into every area of weakness or concern, but we can determine what are the most important areas to address and then get a plan for those things. 

Conclusion 

2024 has unlimited potential for us. God's plans are good for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). The above five questions will help you prepare for a great year. 

Note: If you cannot spend an extended time praying into these five questions, I suggest you take five days to consider one question on each day.