Resolution Solution

Happy New Year! I pray that 2011 will be a year of abundant blessings and overflowing love for you and your family.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If so, you’re in good company…lots of folks will attempt to lose weight, get out of debt, read the whole Bible or commit to some other form of self-improvement this year. Unfortunately, most of those goals will never be reached.

So, why do we have such a hard time keeping the promises we make to ourselves? One reason may be that we set our sights way too high. The goals we set are often more like daydreams…our ideal is often quite different from what our reality will allow.

Another, even more likely reason that I think we struggle to reach the resolution finish line is that we forget to consult God about our goals. We make all these plans for ourselves without first asking God what his plan is for us. Then we wonder why we keep missing the mark. But, really, who better to reveal to us the things that we need to work on this year than the one who created us and already knows what lies ahead?

In Jeremiah, the Lord declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” (Jer 29:11). In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that “we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” (Eph 1:11) The book of Proverbs advises “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” (Pr 3:5-8)

So, before you head down yet another path of unmet goals and disappointment with yourself, why not spend some time talking with and listening to the author of your life. Ask Him what he desires for your life and then base your goals on that. And be encouraged! When your plans are based on His will, he will give you everything you need to turn those resolutions into reality.