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Do I really know myself? I think I do. After all, I have lived with me and known me for a long time. But.

I know that if I can’t find something, it usually means that a cleaning spree is about to begin until the item is found. So I know that about myself. Why do I do that? Why is it so important to know where everything is?

 

I spent some time thinking about why I have to find things when it is lost. A couple of things that I learned about myself. When something is lost, it shakes up the image that I am organized and know where things are. I really didn’t like learning that about myself but it is helpful to know this.

This is Part 2 of a series, Know Yourself. This is designed to assist you to write achievable goals for the new year. You need to start with  Part 1 which is Know what God is calling you to do in the New Year.

Know Yourself – Made by God

God made each of us. Think about that for a minute. We are individually made by God. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (ESV) As you begin, Know Yourself, remember that you are made by God.

Not only did God make each of us but he knows us. He knows the number of hairs on our head. God knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows our needs and our desires. Take comfort in that and in all of that he loves us.

The foundational truth of knowing yourself is knowing that you are made by God and that God knows you. Do you believe that to be true?

Do you struggle with an area of your life, wondering why God made you that way? Take some time to just pray or journal about it. Thank God for making you that way.

Know Yourself – Looking at the Heart

To truly know yourself means you need to look at your heart. Be honest with yourself. That can be a challenge. I like to think of myself as a highly disciplined person but the reality is, I am not especially if there are chocolate chip cookies around. Take the challenge and look within.

Look within and search your heart. In Psalm 139 David begins by telling all that God knows about us. He ends with “search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24 (ESV)

• What are the longings of your heart?
• Are there sins that you struggle with?
• What are the fears and worries you hold onto?
• What keeps you awake at night?

Know Yourself – Looking at the heart will take time. Plan time to sit and reflect. Ask God to guide you, search you and show you your heart. Do not rush this.

Know Yourself – Spiritually

God has created us to know him. He desires a relationship with us. How are you doing spiritually? Are you growing in your relationship with God? Do you enjoy spending time with God? I have found this book to be a challenge as I think about the topic of enjoying God. Get a copy and read just a chapter a week.

• Are there areas that you are struggling to surrender to God?
• Are there things that God is asking you to do but you are holding back?
• Do you spend time in the Word regularly? Is that time that you enjoy?
• Do you have a time of prayer, just communicating with God?

Know Yourself- Spiritually and you will know how to set goals that are where God wants you. You will set goals that please the Lord.

Know Yourself – Physically

God has given each of us a physical body. We are all different some have high energy levels and others need rest and extra sleep. Some had physical challenges — chronic pain, allergies, or numerous other things. Maybe you have ADHD. Do you have a special diet that you need to follow which impacts you? Understand some of the unique ways that God created you.

Those might be your “thorn in the flesh.” Remember that God has promised, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) May you know God’s strength in your areas of weakness.

God knows our physical strengths and weaknesses. Thank him for how he has created you. Be content. If there are things that you can do to improve yourself, do those things.

• What is your energy level?
• Do you need extra sleep?
• Do you have physical challenges?

Know yourself – physically so that you can write goals that are things that you will be able to achieve. Understanding who you are and what you need physically will help you to know how to write goals that are achievable.

Know Yourself – Emotionally

God created us with emotions. We love;  we are sad at times. Our emotions and feelings impact us in so many ways. Emotions are how we react to things within us and things around us.

• Do you control your emotions or do your emotions control you?
• Do your emotions paralyze you?
• How do you handle stress?

Know Yourself – Emotionally and that will help you to write goals that you will be able to achieve.

Know Yourself – Resources

The resources that we have include our time, finances, house, tools, helpers, and other things. How much time do you have in the week? Do you have limited time, then plans goals that can be done with your limited time? Your finances might be limited. That is fine, you need to know that and plan goals accordingly.

• How much extra time do you have in a week?
• Do you have extra money to put towards projects?
• What keeps you going?
• What encourages you?

So much could be written on this topic with various areas to consider. Begin the process to know yourself using these different areas. Don’t use who you are as an excuse for not doing what God is calling you to do. Know yourself and grow in Christ.

As you begin to write goals, take the time to know yourself. Work through Part 1 as that gives the foundation for your goals. Take the time now to work through this. This will help you write goals that are achievable. Do not rush this process. This might be difficult but it will help you know yourself and grow in what God is calling you to be and do.

This is a time to just Know Yourself. The next part in the series will deal with Know Yourself Roles, Relationships, and Responsibilities.

What is one thing that you have learned about yourself recently? How will that help you in setting goals? Share that in the comments.

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