New Year’s Resolution

Can you remember any resolutions you’ve made in years past?

I resolve to lose the weight.

I resolve to stop biting my nails.

I resolve to fix my marriage.

I resolve to… (fill in the blank)

How have you done with these? I’ll admit, I can’t even remember a resolution I’ve made. Apparently they weren’t such a “whoopdie do” to me.

But I do believe in examining our lives. 

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” ~Lamentations 3:40

My only aunt said to me for years, “Nancy, I’ll get right with God once I get my life in order.” I’m not kidding. She told me that quite a number of times over the years. I would say to her, “Aunt Betty, come to God and let Him get your life in order for you. Come just as you are.” She never figured that out. She just wouldn’t believe me. Then with loads of money and material things around her, she took her own life. I wonder how many New Year’s resolutions she made, but just could not keep.

And isn’t that the bottom line to any New Year’s resolution? “I resolve to get my life in order.” It is, isn’t it? We take stock and get whatever is not up to snuff, up to snuff! In line. Resolved. We bring order to our lives.

Whether you make a resolution or not, it’s a good time to do a New Year’s analysis. We don’t want to live an unexamined life! 

But look at the end of that verse: “Let us return to the Lord.” 

Here’s one resolution I can boldly suggest. By God’s power at work in us, let’s join with the great 18th century American preacher, Jonathan Edwards in his resolutions: 

Resolution One: I will live for God.
Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will. 

Now there’s a resolution! 

Love to you, my friend.

Nancy

I’m real because God is so real.

Calling

Take stock of your life, a New Year’s analysis if you will. What needs attention? Start with your relationship with God. Everything - absolutely everything else - hinges on it.