At the beginning of each year, we make resolutions regarding how we wish to accomplish the year. The resolutions we make are mere wishes without God’s involvement. Actualizing our resolutions is subject to many and several external variables which are usually beyond our control but are subject to only God’s control. Jeremiah 32: 27 says behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? We further read from Isaiah 44: 21, remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I Formed you, you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. We can succeed only when God remembers us. Paul attested to God’s invincibility when he said in Philippians 4: 13, I can do all things in him who strengthens me. What considerations must underpin our New Year resolutions?
Trust in God through Jesus Christ
We need someone we can trust in all things and situations and that person is Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says trust in the Lord always with your heart; and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. God said in Joshua 1: 5 no man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Sometimes we are misled to believe that money is the basis of life or happiness or peace. Hebrews 13:5 says keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, I will never fail you nor forsake you. Jesus is a trusted friend and unfailing companion. Jesus said in Matthew 28: 20, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Jesus said in John 15:5, for apart from me you can do nothing. Psalms 14:1; 53:1 say the fool says in his heart, there is no God. Trust in Jesus that is all.
Call on God in troubled times
We are all bound to face troubled times in life. We may try to avoid trouble but others may bring it to us. God never promised us that we will never face troubled times. However in anticipation of inevitable troubled times, God said in Psalms 50: 15, call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
This is a blank cheque for all who trust in the Lord to appropriate in times of trouble no matter its magnitude. Once God has given us the assurance, He will certainly honour it. Numbers 23:19 says God is not a man that he should lie. We only need to trust him for his word. James 1:7 says let him who is without faith expect to receive nothing from the Lord. Jesus also said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. He is always waiting to help.
Possess a pure heart
God walks with the pure in heart and we need God always. Matthew 5:8 says blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Paul said in Philippians 4: 8, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Like David our prayer should be as in Psalms 51: 10, create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Also, John 4:24 says God is spirit and he that worships him must do so in spirit and in truth.
God will bless us if we possess clean hearts. God said to Abram (Abraham) in Genesis 12: 2, I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and he who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves. Our success will be based on the true state of our hearts with God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Seek God first in all things
In pursuing our resolutions, we are sometimes tempted to seek the support of other spiritual or terrestrial powers who manifest as an angel of light whereas they are not and thereby enslave our souls for destruction. We must first focus on God. Matthew 6: 33 says seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Focus on God brings contentment. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12: 10, for the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardship, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
We must have peace and satisfaction with what God has given us. We can focus on God when we know and understand who God is. We can’t rush God if we know and understand him. Isaiah 55: 8 says for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. When we do God’s bidding, He will reciprocate in a larger measure. In our scheme of priorities, we must put God first this year. Contentment in God pleases Him and strengthens His hands to come to our aid in need.
Set God centered priorities
In our New Year resolutions, we are sometimes carried away to set ambitions based on our legal circumstances or environment without reference to scripture. We must remember that as citizens of heaven, we are primarily guided by spiritual laws and God’s constitution, the bible. Acts 5:29 says we must obey God rather than men. Not all offers are acceptable to God but that which is godly. Our rights must therefore be subsumed under God’s instructions.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6: 12, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. He said in 1 Corinthians 10: 23, all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Our priorities must be based on what is helpful, non-enslaving and builds us up in the Lord Jesus Christ. Some priorities lead to death. Proverbs 14: 12; 16: 25 which say there is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way to death. We must be alert to escape it.
PrayerOur dear Lord and Father in heaven, we adopt Psalms 96: 1 and say, O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. As we begin the New Year, Lord let your mercy lead us to sing a new song of repentance and righteousness, not only with our lips but from sincere hearts and transformed lives by faith in Christ Jesus. Let the joy and peace of your presence be with us always in Christ Jesus, Amen!!
