This is good time to reboot your spiritual armor for 2017, so I have pulled together some inspirational bible verses that will help you hang in there on the hard days in your business. Focus this year on listening for God's direction.
I have a prayer life which is when I talk to God, but there was something missing from my life. Meditation! Can you clear your mind so that you can listen for God? In the past, God has used visions and dreams to speak to me, but I believe he has been waiting on me to make more time in my daily life for him. I have always been a person of action, but I have come to realize that if stop driving, I will be amazed where God will drive my bus.
Here's a few things to do in listening for God more this year.
Find a Yoga studio - that's the first place I learned to meditate.
Download the app Headspace - it will help you learn to meditate and slow down.
Learn to fast and pray as a regular practice when big decisions are required.
Here are my 10 bible verses every small business needs for 2017. Know that you can always glean inspiration from God's holy word.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.
God lives within all of us. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nothing in heaven or on Earth can separate us from God's love. In times of trouble, it will be important to remember that. Being a child of God is your ultimate protection.
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
When you stay in constant communication with God, you will not wonder which way to go. Don't be so occupied with future plans, that you forget to make the right decisions today. Live for today. Be present! And when you come to a crossroad our Lord will lead you on the right path.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Put your hope in the Lord. Whenever you feel fear, weakness or insecurity, do not be discouraged, just look to the Lord for your strength. Don't ever forget to activate your power source through prayer.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own...
As business owners, there are plenty of opportunities to find things to worry about, but resist the urge. Over the last 18 years, I have needlessly worried about making payroll and getting contracts signed. But in all that time God has never forsaken me. I have never missed a payroll, so let go and let God. Stress kills people, so don't take on worry unnecessarily.
1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
If you walk in the light, and do all you can to honor God he will hear the desires of your heart and in due season, if it is his will, he will answer your prayers. But if you keep up drama and mess, that does not honor God and you will be rewarded accordingly.
Romans 2:23 (NIV)
For all have sinned, and fall short of the Glory of God.
Don't fall into a perfectionist trap. There are no perfect people walking the Earth. As Christians and business owners we must be tolerant of other's mistakes. In my business we only have one rule; you are allowed to make mistakes just not the same mistake. Try to lead with compassion and empathy. That will serve you well in strengthening and encouraging your team.
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
God knows and sees all. Let the light of God's presence shine into the deepest recesses of your thoughts. Know that when no one else understands you, God loves you perfectly.
Psalm 119:27 (NIV)
Cause me to understand the ways of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
Meditation is function of the mind and the heart. To clear your mind and focus on God's word, allows his love to become clearer and he calling for our lives becomes clearer as well. It takes time to learn to remove distractions and quiet your mind to meditate, but try it at the start of your day. It's a worthwhile practice to level set your day. Your goal should always be to stay centered regardless of what comes to you, and meditation is a way to get that perfect peace.
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Prayer changes things. I was recently having a difficult time with a personal challenge in my life. I prayed for a breakthrough, and I specifically prayed for the person I was struggling with, and I experienced a complete change of heart from this person. It was amazing. I had prayed over this issue before, but the difference was my faith in my prayer. You can't just pray, you must also believe that God will answer your prayer. Then you must thank God for the revelation.
Psalm 116:17 (NIV)
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
Tithing is required of those God has blessed. Even if it's a small tithe offering, it is important to be a blessing to God's house. For it is not how much you will give, but how much of God's blessing will you keep for yourself. In all the years I have been tithing to my church, I have never missed it, in fact God have given to me 10X when I have given to my church. It is truly a blessing to be able to be a blessing to others.
My prayer for you is that God's word has inspired you to stay focused in your business. Believe in Him and grow and love your neighbor and always try to look at things from a different perspective. Remember, the Bible as a source of strength. And prayer is how we access our power source. Give your heart to the Lord and let him use you. Be blessed in 2017.
This article was originally published as 10 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs for 2017 on www.succeedasyourownboss.com.