Turning the Page

Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

     November isn't just a change on the calendar. It's a natural transition from early autumn to a season of gratitude and reflection. As November comes in we see a shift in the weather, sunsets become earlier, and fall sets in. The problem is that as soon as we turn that page we often rush into our holiday prep. Not only November but often we already have our minds thinking towards December. We become busy and forget to pause and consider where God has brought us so far this year.

     As we step into November this year, let's take a breath before the holiday rush takes over. Let us prepare our hearts to enter November intentionally, rather than just drifting into the holiday chaos. Let's explore 3 intentional steps we can take as we go into November.

-        Clear the Clutter (spiritual and mental)

     We all have a spiritual “attic” or “closet”. Just like we clean our homes for a new season or the upcoming family visits, our minds also collect seasonal clutter. Maybe some half-finished projects, unmet expectations, and lingering worries. Let's take time to open the doors and lay them at Jesus’ feet.

     Don't carry October’s luggage into November. Can you imagine walking into a new month with an overfilled suitcase full of last month's deadlines, failures, and anxieties? Set the luggage down so that your hands are free to receive God's grace.

     Exchange exhaustion for rest- Matthew 11:28-30. Forget what lies behind- Philippians 3:13-14. Cast your cares like clutter- 1 Peter 5:7.

     Let go of the guilt of unfinished goals, routines that fell apart, and the remaining stress over last month's busyness. Don't linger in the ‘what ifs’ of the month to come before it has even fully begun.

     Instead clear the clutter. Take your unfinished list of unmet goals, disappointments or worry and tear it up and surrender to God's sovereignty. Pray, confess any lingering bitterness, frustration, or exhaustion to God and ask Him to reset your heart for the month ahead.

-        Light the Lamp

     As days grow shorter and darker in November, we turn lights on in our homes and start fires in our fireplaces. This can remind us of God’s Word as our source of warmth and guidance.

     Use scripture as your spiritual illumination. One verse can be all you need to take the next step forward. Placing God's Word intentionally in your home you become a ‘city on the hill’. Your home isn't just reacting to the noise of holiday chaos, but radiating Jesus’ steady light outward.

     Be intentional when choosing your 30-day anchor one verse at a time. Ask, “What atmosphere does my household need right now?”

     Here are just a few ideas: Peace- Philippians 4:6-7; Gratitude- Psalm 100:4; Rest- Matthew 11:28; Unity/Patience- Colossians 3:12-14.

     Trying to memorize chapters at a time in a busy season only leads to burnout. There is power in one, deeply dwelling on one single truth for 30 days transforms daily habits. At the end of the day speak a one-sentence blessing over your household based on your verse.

-        Gather the Harvest

     During harvest season it's not just about the harvest. It's about gathering the needed food to store up for the months ahead.

     Taking time to count God's faithfulness over this last year can stock up our ‘spiritual barns’ with truths to sustain us through the holidays and cold of the coming months.

     As you enter November list those blessings, so you won't forget God's goodness and grace He has had over your family. Taking time to glean the fields of our memories we’ll find where God has provided, a timely conversation, and unexpected moment of peace, even unseen protection.

     Take time to look for a time the Lord provided or answered you when you didn't expect it. A quiet grace, when you were seen through a hardship. Even an unseen shield, protection or redirection. “Lord, I saw your hand when…”, “I felt your peace most clearly during…”

     As you've turned the page into November shift your heart from what you lack entering the busy season to how abundantly God has provided up to this point. As you get busy with holiday decorating and plans, remember how God was faithful 30 days ago, and, with confidence, trust Him with the next 30 days.

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