That He May

Genesis 12:13 (NKJV)

“Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”

“That it may be well with me…”

“And that I may live…”

Those phrases stopped me this morning.

A humbling and needed reminder as I enter a new year. Simply opening GOD’S Word, those words stood out immediately—not because they are unfamiliar, but because they are revealing.

How often my prayers, my desires, and even my hopes for a new year—directly or indirectly—circle back to that it may be well with me.

And that I may…

I know for me personally, it often shows up in good-sounding ways: peace, freedom from anxiety, contentment, joy.

But the reminder this morning was simple—and corrective.

HE is all of those things.

It brings to mind JESUS’ words about seeking first the kingdom of GOD, and that all these things will be added. Not as a transaction—where we do the right thing and earn a reward—but as a reordering of the heart.

Don’t seek contentment—seek HIM, because HE is the One who makes us content.

Don’t seek peace—seek HIM, because HE is our peace and gives peace.

Don’t seek freedom from anxiety—seek HIM, because HE alone is our refuge.

So may our start to this year be less about me—

And more about that HE may.

That HE may be greatest in our hearts and minds.

That HE may draw us closer.

That HE may sustain us through storms.

That HE may redirect our joy and celebration back to HIM—not to the victories or gifts of this world.

Because HE is the ultimate Giver.

His,

Matthew