This year I determined I would shift my focus for the New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions in and of themselves are not bad to have. It’s laudable to have goals; it’s commendable to make plans. But for many people, resolutions rarely last!
Having goals to get fit or to work out regularly is worthy. Making plans to eat better or lose a few pounds are healthy ideals. Wanting to pursue new interests, a different job, be more organized, or set goals for self-improvement is admirable.
The problem is that for many, these resolutions don’t materialize into reality. For others, resolutions don’t last long because the goals are unrealistic or require hard work and discipline for a long period of time. Resolutions sometimes can be impractical and self-defeating.
But don’t lose hope!
Resolute means to be purposeful, determined, and unwavering. Let’s be resolute in our trust, faith, and pursuit of God first and foremost! By purposely and diligently seeking God, He will empower the change you desire. By surrendering to Him and asking for His help, He brings the freedom, the necessary changes, and the discipline needed.
Let’s try a whole new approach as we enter the New Year and throughout the year. Let’s release the pressure, the false expectations, and maybe even the unreachable goals. Let’s instead surrender to God and surrender to being resolute and purposeful. Let’s have Kingdom resolutions instead.
For example: if you struggle with weight begin to spend more time with God and His Word. He says, “Oh taste and see that I am good.” (Psalm 34:8) Jesus also said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) Let Him satisfy your soul first and then be resolute to surrender your fleshly hunger to Him. You’ll be amazed how He will change you.
If you long to be more fit and in shape turn it into a spiritual goal as well. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. He says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as an eagle, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). Ask Him to lead you and help you in this area and to strengthen you in your resolve.
Anything in the natural that you set goals for can have a spiritual application. If you want to make a career or job change this year, begin to seek Him first. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally...and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5-6) He says, “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) Set this as a spiritual goal first, then He will guide you and open the right doors at the right time.
As we wait on His guidance, He leads and guides us into the plans and purposes He has for us in the year ahead. As we seek Him, He changes our desires and helps us be determined and disciplined in our lives for our good and for His Kingdom purposes as well. As we spend time with Him, He will help us to be unwavering in a hard task or job and help us persevere. And He will bear any heavy burden and make it light as we are yoked to Him.
So, this New Year, let us be resolute to seek Him in deeper and greater ways for the changes we all long for and see how we might serve Him in greater ways too. He might surprise you too with new ways to serve Him. Let us see our resolutions through His Kingdom perspective!
Beloved:
I see the pressure and the struggles you endure. Come to Me with your weary heart and surrender to Me. My burden is easy and light. I have amazing plans and a grand adventure for your life. So, bring every goal and longing to Me and submit to Me. Spend time with Me for I am for you. I have delightful plans in store for you. Life is not a struggle when you are yoked with Me, for I carry the weight of every burden. Oh, the plans I have for you beloved!
“You have heard my sweet resolutions to love and serve You, for I am your beloved.” (Psalm 61: 5a)
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30)
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