Dear Friends,
It’s been fun talking this week about beginning our new year with resolutions. Have you ever thought about why we decide to make them? The reason most people make resolutions and set goals is because they are discontent with the state or size of their body, mind, or bank account.
The Ten Most Common New Year’s Resolutions
- Get a [better] job.
- Get into shape.
- Spend less or pay down debt.
- Give up a habit (smoking, drinking, etc.).
- Get a(n) [better] education.
- Find a mate.
- Take a trip.
- Be more organized.
- Find a hobby.
- Buy a house or move.
As you look over this list, maybe you’ve had an inkling to change because you are discontent with one or more of these areas. But, the majority of us toss aside most of the serious resolutions we make for ourselves within a few days or weeks. Why?
- Discontentment with our state is not enough to change a habit.
- We must ask ourselves whether we really want to change a habit. If our heart isn’t in it, we must wait for a better time.
- We must set realistic goals. You are more likely to follow through on something you can achieve.
- We must set specific goals. It is not enough to want to change; you must figure out the steps you’re going to take.
Notice the new thing God is doing. Isaiah 43:18–19 says, “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Be aware of the new thing God is doing in you, your family, your church, your ministry, and our world. When you pay attention to the circumstances and the opportunities God has brought to you and embrace the new thing God is doing in you, at first you might feel uncomfortable or even afraid. As you exercise your faith, God will strengthen your will and help you accomplish your goals.
Through your spiritual growth, desire for obedience to Him, and intentional closeness to Him, you will cause a ripple effect to reach your world. Let God do what He wants to do in you and through you.
My challenge to you today to be open to the Holy Spirit. Let’s invite the Lord to help us see the new thing God is doing! Please let me pray for you!
Dear Father, thank you for our time together today. Thank you for the promise and hope of a new year. Thank you for allowing us to begin again. For some of us, this time of year is tough, we feel like we’ve failed you, we haven’t been able to keep our resolutions, we’ve had unpleasant memories that have surfaced, so we ask for you to heal our hurts, bind up our wounds. Thank you, Lord, that you are mighty to save. Thank you that in our weakness you are strong. Speak to us from your Word, by your Spirit, let us testify of your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12–14
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