New Year’s Resolutions

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime-until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

Go to the gym. Lose ten pounds. Follow a gluten-free diet. Read my Bible every day. Spend more time with my family. Read more. Watch TV less.

I am sad to admit that all of these things seem to find their place on my New Year’s Resolution list every year. And every year, what once seemed so attainable in the beginning gets bogged down and lost in the daily routines and distractions of life. I don’t ever accomplish them as I hoped I would, and I fail.

It’s a terrible feeling- failing. And yet, most every year, I set myself up again for the same let down.

So, as I sat there thinking yesterday about New Year resolutions, it occurred to me how lousy I am at accomplishing the resolutions I’ve set for myself, and I decided I’m not going to make any – and I’m certainly not going to say them out loud or write them down! I mean, it’s never done me any good in the past, why go through all the mental torture of that again. I just don’t have the self-discipline.

But then I thought about God’s Word. I remembered how His Word is living, and life-changing. That His promises are true. That God does what He says He will.

I meditated on that alone – God’s faithfulness.

I pondered on the thought and care that God poured into the Bible. That we might know and love Him through His Word. That He, Himself, is written on the thin and crinkled pages of our Bibles – waiting each day to show us what He has done and will continue to do. It’s there – written down – accomplished.

After thinking about those things, my attitude changed. I realized how much I really do want to accomplish the goals I set. I mean, it’s not like they are bad goals; in fact, they are often quite the opposite- goals that would lead me to a healthier lifestyle, and in the end isn’t that what we are all after?

As I think about 2012 coming to an end, I’m a little sad. I’m sure there are many of you that can’t wait for the year to end, but for me, it was a great year. I learned – really learned – a lot about myself and who I am in Christ Jesus – even more – I believe it. Christ has instilled in me, a new found confidence and hope. I believe with all my heart, that He can and will do all He says He will. It’s a little unsettling to be so bold, and yet, while I am uncertain, I am not afraid (anymore).

God promises me that He will be MY God. That He will be with me my WHOLE life! He MADE me, and will CARRY me. And He will SAVE me. God doesn’t need a New Year’s resolution to accomplish those things – His Word is enough. God does – and will do – those things because He says He will.

I want to be like that. I want to do the things I say I’m going to do. I want my word to be enough – that not only will others believe me, but that I will believe and trust myself, because I trust in the power of God.

James 5:12 tells us, “But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.” As Christians we are called to live trustworthy lives. Does it not first start with ourselves?

Almost everyone views January 1^st as a new beginning – a fresh start, but let us not forget that His mercies are new EVERY morning, and that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. Perhaps, instead of putting my hope in a list of “new beginnings” and “healthier living goals”, I should start with a much simpler goal…putting my hope in the One who can renew my spirit daily with time in His Word.

Sure, there are many other tasks and goals I want to accomplish in 2013. But my first and only New Year’s resolution I really want to achieve is this: daily one-on-one time with my best friend, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the New Year’s resolution that will change my life more than any other. Because, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for your Word. Thank you for loving us enough, that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, and to save us from your wrath. Lord, thank you, for your faithfulness. Please help me to be reminded that I can do all things through you – that you have already given me the self-discipline to do what I say I will. Help me to doubt myself less because I am trusting you more. I ask all of this in your holy and precious name.
Amen.

1 thought on “New Year’s Resolutions”

Kim Chipman says:

December 31, 2012 at 9:52 pm

Love, love love!

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