New Years Resolutions

Interesting term "resolution", isn't it?

It is a promise, or a vow, to yourself. This year is going to be better! Why? Because I am going to get my act together!

Every year it is basically the same. Every year I promise myself that "this is the year that..."

... I'm gonna lose weight!

... I'm will find the time to exercise!

... I'll stop smoking, quit drinking, relax, spend more time with the family, cut back on frivolous spending, study the Bible, give something to charity, be nice to people, help out at church, be more supportive to my spouse... etc. etc. etc.

There is an almost endless list of resolutions that we make every year, and the majority of them are the same ones we'd made last year and many years before!

Perhaps we should call these vows "revolutions" instead of resolutions, because, sooner or later, we will turn back around to the same old behavior traits that we've been trying to avoid.

A large part of the problem is that we are basing our promises upon ourselves. If we are being completely honest, we know we are flawed, sinful and not really trustworthy, not even each to his (or her) own self. God is very aware of this! Consider these words from the Bible.

"If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Num 30:2) mkj

So, don't waste your time making more resolutions every year. Instead, pray to God, ask for His help in turning your life around. Tell Him you will do your best, accept His guidance and discipline, and don't give up your efforts.

And remember, you must not make promises to God lightly! The Bible also says, "But most of all, my brothers, do not take oaths, not by the heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing: but let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No: so that you may not be judged."
(Jas 5:12) bev

God loves all of us, and loves us so much more than we are able to understand. You will find that trusting Him always works! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) drv

Then, when you feel the need of a joyful song to express your inner feelings, try these words of King David's; "May the Lord be praised, because he has given ear to the voice of my prayer. The Lord is my strength and my breastplate, my heart had faith in him and I am helped; for this cause my heart is full of rapture, and I will give him praise in my song." (Psalm 28:6-7) bev

Soon, my friends... very soon, in Paradise!