It’s that time of year. We’ve hit the end. A whole new year waits as we box up 2013. If you haven’t thought about the word resolution since Christmas night ticked off the clock, I’d be surprised. Even if you resolve to have no resolutions, you’ve made a resolution.
Webster’s dictionary defines the word “resolution” in a few ways:
- The act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something.
- An answer or solution to something.
- The ability of a device to show an image clearly and with a lot of detail.
So maybe this year’s resolution is last year’s. Or maybe you’ve conquered that mountain in 2013 and are looking forward to the next ascent. Whatever resolution(s) you embark on, I wish you well.
I’ll be in the camp resolving to make no resolutions (and thereby making at least one by default). I don’t think I need another year of telling myself this is the year I make changes. I don’t need to run a marathon, to swim with sharks or to not eat carbs this year to make it worthwhile.
If you look at the definitions of resolution above, it says nothing about willing yourself to achieve a goal. It mentions finding an answer.
If there is any resolution I want this year, it is to reflect on God more than I did in 2013 and ask Him for help in what that should look like.
He is the answer to everything, and we can find those answers by spending time with Him in prayer and solitude reflecting on who He is, what He is doing and what He has done. We are able to read his truth in the Bible and find answers. We can spend time with other believers and reflect on what God has done and is doing in their lives. That’s better than losing 30 lbs. because it’s allows us to gain maturity and wisdom.
In Him we find identity, purpose, peace, joy, contentment and so on.
As 2014 starts, I hope you aren’t struggling to find a resolution to sit on for the year. I also hope you won’t feel bad for not having one. If you’ve made one resolution or several, I hope you will pause and reflect on what is driving those goals and reflecting less on what they say about you and more on what they say about God.
Let time with God be your main goal this year.
Here are some verses I hope you find helpful this year:
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” – Psalm 104:33-34
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” – Jeremiah 29:12-14
“O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.” – Isaiah 26:12
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
What do you hope to resolve this year with God’s help?
I tend to not make resolutions – as I see it, I procrastinate anyway, and setting a goal just gives me something else to put off. However, I do enjoy knowing that I can resolve to be more obedient in my walk with Christ.
James,
Thanks for the comment and I hope you have a great 2014 walking in obedience with Christ!