2023: Three Reminders For When The Year Does Not Go As Planned

One major lesson I learnt in 2023 is that things will not always go my way. Having entered the year with so much hope and optimism, seeing it not pan out as expected was quite frustrating and annoying for a while. But around the middle of the year, it just dawned on me that I can only plan, it is God that has the final answer. And with that conclusion, I decided to rest and hand everything over to God.

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I know there are three or four of us that can relate with this story. We entered the year with plans, expectations, and confidence. Only to discover that the year had its own plans. Trust me! There is nothing quite as frustrating as that. However, it just shows that as humans, all we can do is plan. At the end of the day, it is God’s will that will prevail. Now, I do not think that God belittles planning or preparation. After all, it is essential for success.

Nevertheless, I believe God thwarts our plans sometimes to protect us, help us build more faith and trust in Him, or for even a bigger and better plan or purpose. But the truth is that even when we know that “all things work together for our good”, it is easy for us to feel defeated and discouraged when things do not pan out as we want them to. 

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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NKJV

The year is coming to an end and still cannot shake off the sad feeling about how you had it all figured out and still everything veered off course? Here are three things to remember to change your disposition: 

1. It is okay to feel disappointed or confused: As Christians, we are admonished to give thanks in every situation. In a world filled with challenges like ours, it is important. Nevertheless, I think sometimes, people mistake ignoring or neglecting their feelings for thanksgiving. While we should give thanks in all situation, it is also worth noting that when we get confused about our plans or things are not going according plan, feeling frustrated or disappointed is okay. Choosing to give God thanks, despite the feelings of frustration and disappointment is where the victory lies. This way, you acknowledge that you do not know or have it all figured out and invite God to help you out.

2. Respond with authority: Acknowledging your feelings does not necessarily mean you have to dwell on them forever. Life is all about balance. As said earlier, when things do not work out, it is okay to feel sad. But it does not end there. After dealing with the negative emotions the healthy way, you remind yourself of who you are and respond to the situation with authority. So the year did not pan out the way you wanted it to? Confessing that next year will be better is you responding with authority. Making new God-involved and wiser plans speaks authority. By this, you are taking charge of your situation. Instead of allowing doubt and anger take over, you are choosing faith and hope.

3. Give thanks: It is so easy to forget all God’s blessings and dwell on things that are not working. Yes! We did not get all we set out to get this year but what about life, good health, sound mind, provisions, and clothes? They may seem trivial yet they are big blessings too. At the end of the day, only you can count the fruits of what has been good. Therefore, it is wise that you count them and express gratitude for these blessings.