The Changes In Us Are In His Hands
For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:1
The first day of the new year came and went. But aren’t we filled with a variety of emotions which might lead us to want to make personal improvement promises or resolutions for this year? I don’t deny that there is logic in planning to exercise more. After all, how hard is it to allocate thirty minutes to one hour to improve my physical well-being? And that goes hand in hand with knowing I could lose some weight. Also, I desire to be a better friend, husband, and father. And I always want to spend more time in my walk with God.
God knows that these resolutions or promises are often grounded in the flesh. Our minds are focused on visualizing some end result and not on the process involved to achieve it. What does that mean? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to exercise more, to lose weight, improve eating habits, and to spend more time committed to daily Bible reading and quiet time in prayer. All well intended plans to address our physical and spiritually well-being. But be aware of making these goals into a to do list of things we must check off each day in order to measure success. You see, life happens in ways that cause us to fail to keep to the checklist every day. Once circumstances break the routine, we often give up on the plan leaving us to be quite disappointed about ourselves.
This new year I wonder if we should try taking our resolution ideas first to God. Prayerfully ask the Lord to show us the heart behind them. Ask Him to show us in His Word those verses that directly speak to what we resolve to do. Let His Word show us the difference between what we desire for ourselves and what He wills for us.
My prayer for this new year is to resolve to give thanks each day for all I hold dear: my family, my friends, and my health. I pray to be released of anger, pain, grudges, and anything that I wear as a burdening chain that prevents me from serving the needy without prejudice. And to remember each day that I and we all are truly one in Christ Jesus.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love and may God bless you and grant you a healthy 2023.
Heavenly Father, enter my heart as I seek to surrender my life to You this year. Guide me in Your Word and show me the truths and promises that You have for me. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name, AMEN.