(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Today, many people will be making their 2021 New Year’s resolutions. Some will be health related; some will be financial, and others will involve other major changes in their lives. Unfortunately, shortly after January 1st, those resolutions will become things of the past. Resolutions are easily made, but they are also easily broken.
I often make resolutions on New Year’s Day, and like so many others, I have failed to keep most of them much longer than a few weeks. But 2020 was a different year for me! This year I actually kept two of my resolutions for the entire year! I grew spiritually through the reading of God’s Word on a regular basis. I became healthier by changing my eating habits and incorporating healthy strategies into my life.
I learned something very important to my success this past year. In order for me to keep any resolution, I needed help. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I chose to become an active participant in the betterment of my life, spiritually and physically, but I chose to partner with God. Why? Because in my past, I have either tried to do it all myself, or I have sat back and hoped that God would do a miracle in my life. I finally understood that neither my pride nor my passivity was helping me become the person to whom I aspired. I am, in fact, a work in progress (Philippians 1:6), and it is God who is the potter, fashioning this lump of clay to His glory.“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
So, here it is January 1, 2021, and I am ready to make my resolutions for this year. I resolve to continue my spiritual growth through prayer and Bible study, and I resolve to follow more closely the footsteps of my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I resolve to be moldable in the hands of my Potter, and to be used of Him in whatever way He chooses. I also resolve to continue my physical health journey by following my nutritional plan and seeking guidance from my health coach. I resolve to learn more healthy habits, and in turn, share this information with others who seek a healthier and happier lifestyle.
God has promised that if I delight in Him, He will give me the desires of my heart. Sometimes, I don’t even know what those desires are until He opens my eyes to the blessings before me! I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings my way!
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.
(from “I Am Resolved” by Palmer Hartsough)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalm 37:4
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Start the New Year with God!