There’s no better time to evaluate your heart before God. Look at your heart posture before the hustle and bustle at the end of the year.
By Lizzy Haseltine
What is one word you would use to describe 2024 so far?
Hard? Holy? Unexpected? Joy-filled?
Whether God has led you to an exciting new season or been faithful amid your wilderness, there are only so many days left on the calendar for 2024.
That’s why there’s no better time than the present to evaluate your heart before the Lord. Here are nine ways to look at your heart posture ahead of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
1. Slow down and pray
As church activities ramp up for the holidays, be intentional to block off time on your calendar each week for solitude with the Lord. Pray for guidance and wisdom as you carry out obligations through the end of the year.
While it may be tempting to focus all your efforts on trying to save the world, let Jesus be your Savior and the One sovereign over all circumstances instead. Follow His earthly example of leaving the crowds to spend time with the heavenly Father.
As Luke 5:16 says, “Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed” (CSB).
“As church activities ramp up for the holidays, be intentional to block off time on your calendar each week for solitude with the Lord.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X2. Ask God to convict your heart, and seek unity
Before you can experience God’s peace, you must align your heart with His. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Seek His forgiveness and go to any others who may have been hurt by this sin, especially within your congregation.
As a child of God and pastor, you may already do this every day. But if you haven’t felt convicted recently or really evaluated your lifestyle, take some time to do so. Not only will this prepare your heart for the holiday season, but if it concerns your church body, it will establish a fresh sense of unity.
After all, you’re about to celebrate Jesus’s birth, which made a way for the forgiveness of man. As John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, CSB).
3. Express gratitude
Whether you’re on track to meet your annual goals or your year has gone completely haywire, consider how God has provided and write a gratitude list. Praise God for what He’s chosen to do in you, through you, and around you in 2024.
Like Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (CSB).
4. Seek the Lord in Scripture
What Bible passage have you desired to study all year but haven’t gotten around to? Nearly 7 in 10 pastors (68%) say they need to invest in consistent Bible reading not related to teaching preparation. Take time to read the Bible for yourself, even if you aren’t planning to share what you’ve learned with your congregation.
By reading the Word beyond your job, you’re getting to know the Savior of the world more personally—and letting Him be just that, your Savior.
5. Serve in a new way
While it’s seemingly always a “season of giving” for pastors, think of a creative, new way to serve your community.
Maybe that’s distributing food at the local homeless shelter, collecting goods or gifts for children in need, or making a warm meal for an elderly neighbor. Go beyond your pastoral duties to experience the true gift and joy of generosity.
6. Write down markers of God’s faithfulness
By the time the holiday season comes around, the entire year can feel like a blur. Don’t let the quick passage of time diminish the moments of God’s outstanding presence in your life.
Take some time to write down how you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness, perhaps even challenging yourself to remember one moment from each month.
In Scripture, the psalmist provided an example for us, saying, “I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders” (Psalm 77:11, CSB).
“Take some time to write down how you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness, perhaps even challenging yourself to remember one moment from each month.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X7. Enjoy a tradition with your family
In the busyness of the holidays, it may be difficult for you to have time with your family if others demand your attention. While there’s always the potential for an emergency, plan a special time to just be with your loved ones and focus fully on them. That may even mean having a deacon or other leader on call so you can be devoted to your family for an entire day without your phone or distractions.
8. Get outside
There’s nothing quite like spending time in nature to clear your mind. Even if you have to bundle up in chilly weather, walk through the woods or on the greenway to reflect. Ask God to help you fully surrender to His will ahead of the holidays.
9. Worship Him
One of the main calls of the holiday season is to “come, let us adore Him.” But as someone in leadership, you may not feel you ever have the chance to simply sit and worship the King.
Go ahead and give Him glory before the holiday season kicks off. Even if you’re totally against Christmas music before December 1, turn off that podcast or put down that book and simply praise the God of the universe.
Follow the heavenly hosts in announcing Christ’s birth, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors” (Luke 2:14, CSB).
As you worship Him, the weariness of the world will fade. Your worries won’t feel as pertinent. An eternal perspective will shape your heart and mind, bringing a bit of heaven’s glory to earth as you welcome King Jesus.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Lizzy Haseltine
Lizzy is a content writer for non-profit ministries. For the past five years, she has traveled the world to tell stories of how God is moving.
