“Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Great influencers do not just live by following principles, but they recognize the importance of understanding what needs to be prioritized in a particular season. Different seasons of our lives, relationships, churches, or nations require different actions and beliefs to be emphasized. The Sons of Issachar are esteemed because they discerned deeper into what was happening.

Here is a great declaration: I understand the times, and I know what I should do.

As I asked the Lord for this Sons of Issachar, prophetic insight into 2022, I heard, “There are keys for the year hidden in chapter 20 , verse 22 of different books of the Bible.” Here are seven prophetic directions I believe we are to emphasize from these verses:

1. It is a year of resolve and passion for our assignments - “And see, now I (Paul) go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there” (Acts 20:22). Just as Jehu in the Old Testament had an inward drive for his calling, Paul was “bound in the spirit” to go to Jerusalem. In this year, we will have assignments clarified and divine empowerment to walk in them. 
2. It is a year of radical, enemy-defeating praise - “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated” (2 Chronicles 20:22). Tremendous celebrative praise songs will be sung (and written) this year causing great victory. Also, books like Prison to Praise (Merlin Carothers) will spark a movement of personal praising. 
3. It is a year of trusting God for justice - “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil.’ Wait for the LORD, and He will save you” (Proverbs 20:22). Now is the time to speak out loud your trust for him to make wrong rights in your life and the matters that concern you. He will save us. 
4. It is a year of incredible wisdom - “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:22). Jesus was asked this question by the chief priests and scribes. Their motives were not good, but Jesus still gave an answer through showing them a coin. There is grace in 2022 to ask questions of the Lord and He will answer in profound, creative ways. This is a year where the wisdom of God will cause us to be promoted like Joseph to influence “pharaoh”.
5. It is a year of encouraging ourselves and others - “And the people, that is, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and again formed the battle line at the place where they had put themselves in array on the first day” (Judges 20:22). 2022 will unleash a supernatural band of encouragers according to Isaiah 35:4-7 who will cause people to align properly with others and “fight the good fight of faith”.
6. It is the year of receiving by faith - And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22). All of our supernatural gifts, identities, and abilities are activated by faith. This is a year of deep insight and activation in verses such as as Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
7. It is a year of dedication and increase - “Now the children of Israel, the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor (Numbers 20:22). Let me give a little more explanation of what I see here. Kadesh means apartness or sacredness of items and places, and the noun הר (har) is the Bible's common word for mountain or hill. In Hebrew thought, a mountain is not something that is high but rather a lot of something gathered. As I pray into this verse, I see it as a time of Kadesh-dedicating everything we have for the glory of God (our lives, our homes, our vocations, our cars, etc.) and then see great increase as a result. 

Holy Spirit, I ask you to confirm that what from above is especially for those reading this blog. Thank you that each one of them has a Sons of Issachar anointing to always understand the times and seasons in their lives, their families, their churches, and everything else they are connected to. Thank you that they also know what to prioritize in their lives. 

As I close, here are declarations from the above seven verses to make in for 2022. 

1. I am a person of passion and conviction. 
2. I am a radical praiser, and my praise creates powerful kingdom advancement. 
3. I trust God to make wrongs right in my life and in the lives of others.
4. I regularly ask God for wisdom, and I always receive a clear answer.
5. I radically encourage others and myself daily. 
6. I have an unusual ability to receive spiritual impartation by faith. 
7. I dedicate all I do to the Lord, and He is increasing it all for His glory.