Daniel Seabaugh

My daughters love to startle me. I may be sitting quietly with a book and a cup of coffee when, out of nowhere, there’s a loud scream. I jump out of my seat. They laugh and run away. When this occurs, I’m reminded of the reality of my girls. They are alive and waiting to be seen, known, and loved. The same is true of God. He is always ready to interact with us. He loves us. He wants to spend time with us.

At times, my soul gets lethargic about the things of God. I stand in awe less, and I seek my own ways more. My sense of wonder sleeps as my heart of worship flounders. I know in my mind that God has not changed. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). But something lays dormant within me. In these moments, I startle my soul into worship.

Startling the soul begins with pondering the attributes of God. The attributes are permanent, fixed, unchanging realities of God’s nature. For instance, the Bible says God is love. He’s not love when he feels like it or only on Sundays. He is always love. God’s attributes are eternally true and should awaken our sleepy souls to awe and adoration.

Because my soul needs to be startled, I’m beginning this year by praying the attributes. “God, you are good. God, you are loving. God, you are merciful. God, you are holy.” Reminding myself of God’s character helps me reengage spiritually. My affections for Jesus are stoked by the flame of persistence.

Perhaps 2024 is the year for another great awakening. Perhaps the soul of the sleepy, groggy church is due for a startling.

Jesus, come.

Perhaps more than adding to our resumes or making a name for ourselves, this is the year for making much of God.

Jesus, come.

Perhaps instead of hungering and thirsting for a cheeseburger and a Coke, this is the year for hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Jesus, come.

Perhaps instead of fighting with each other and dividing at every turn, this year can be about unity and seeking peace.

Jesus, come.

Perhaps in 2024, the world and its desires will fade away as the kingdom of God comes into focus.

Jesus, come awaken our souls.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

—Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)