“If we do adoration right, then confession becomes the reflex of our souls.” - John Onwuchekwa

The new year tempts us to turn inward - what are the things I hope to accomplish? Who would I like to become? Certainly, there is nothing wrong, or sinful about having dreams, goals, and desires - some of these things are God-given. But followers of Jesus know that our lives are not our own, we have been given a new heart and new desires.

What if this year began not with a list of our desires, but by stilling our hearts toward adoration? Adoration turns us outward, away from created things and to the Creator of everything (Romans 1:25). In adoration my longs and affections are focused on Someone other than myself. My desires are uncovered and refined. My hope is aimed eternal rather than the temporal.

In adoration, I am forced to face up to the glory of God, and in so doing, see how I have fallen short (Romans 3:23). And in this glory gap, I am invited not toward self-loathing, not toward trying harder, but to confession. To draw near to the One who has first drawn near to me. To have my lips and life purified by the sacrifice of the One reveals the glory of God (Isaiah 6:5-6, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Lord, may our hearts be steadfast in adoration, and quick in confession, for You are beautiful, good, and kind. In Christ’s name, amen.

Adoring,