Doesn't that sound good?
Personally, I think that each morning that I wake up is an awesome fresh start, so a whole new year? That's awesome!
I guess on a really basic level, resolutions are part of everyday Christian life. As believers, we resolve afresh and anew each day to seek God. We resolve to glorify Him each day. We can only do that if our natural minds are transformed:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2, NIV)
It also requires some self-discipline:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (I Corinthians 9:24-25)
What are our resolutions this year? Are we making any? (Grin)
New Year's can be the perfect time to commit ourselves to being disciplined and developing habits that will help us run the race and win the prize.
Are we planning to get into God's Word more? Get creative, follow a "read the Bible in a year" plan, or sign up for a daily devotional. Subscribe to a weekly sermon app on our phone, or dwell on a particular verse every morning . . .
Are we resolving to pray daily? Set aside some time for prayer so that we don't feel rushed; use some of the prayer list tips we covered a couple of weeks ago.
Are we determined to work on our problem areas? Let's ask God to reveal the sin in our lives so that we can acknowledge, confess, and repent. Think about finding a godly person to be accountable to; meet or have virtual meetings with them and pray together.
Focus on and cultivate our positive habits: maybe there are other areas in our lives that are positive ways to improve . . . eating better, sleeping better, exercising more (raising my hand here) or even getting more organized.
And let's remember; we aren't doing this alone. It's not just about our willpower. The world we live in is pretty cynical about resolutions. Statistics say that we are likely to drop back into old behaviors five or six times before we truly "change our ways." And it takes a few weeks to actually cement a new habit in our lives!
I guess it's little wonder that many resolutions don't make it past the month of January. But as Christians, we have a greater power at work in us that can enable us to see things through. The Spirit of God works within us. Since He is for us, who can prevail against us?
And even better - we know that we have forgiveness and grace when we do slip up. Let's resolve each and every day to choose to live for our Savior!
Happy New Year to all!
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