Welcome 2017! How exciting. And to think that 17 years ago we were about to begin a new millennium, wow. How time flies.
A new year always raises the bar for all of us. As we evaluate where we are emotionally and physically we place new demands on ourselves. We whisper, “I’m done with what’s not working for me” and set a fresh new list of expectations and goals we want to reach in the days to come. We call these ‘resolutions.’
New Year resolutions are usually pretty tough to keep, though, they are generally broken between January 1st and January 7th… sad!
The usual top 5 New Year resolutions are: lose weight, exercise regularly, save more, spend less, and spend more time with the family. Had I made those I would already be in trouble.
In the first 3 days of this new year I’ve had a whopper meal, a ChickfilA meal (with large fries), a few doughnuts, Starbucks coffees, wings with loaded fries (that means fries covered with cheese and bacon bits), and others. You may be reading this thinking, ‘Dude, you need to make a resolution to eat better.’ I hear you loud and clear! In my defense, though, I did have fish one night… ok so it was fried fish, but fish should count for something.
Regrettably, I’ve also lost my grip on the other usual top 4 resolutions. Since January 1st the only exercise I’ve done is mow my lawn. I haven’t saved anything yet but I’ve spent a bunch, and I’ve watched football and movies on tv more than I’ve had meaningful communications with those I love.
Now…before you judge me, love me! There might be some of you reading this that had to flush your resolutions down the ol’ toilette on your very first day of the year…shame on you!
Fortunately for me none of those usual top 5 resolutions made my New Year’s list. Actually, I don’t even have a list. I haven’t made one for years! I know me. I know how weak I can be.
So, I want to share with you 1 and only 1 simple New Year’s resolution you should make to yourself that will change your life. I use the following Bible verses as the foundation for it,
But he [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2Corinthians 12:9 (NIV, parenthesis mine)
And,
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
My goal for this year (and hopefully the rest of my life) is to depend on God to help me in everything I do.
Human effort can only take us so far. Potential is limitless only when it’s when backed up by God’s promises and power! (Tweet that)
So, whatever you attempt to do this year from dieting to feeling better about yourself to setting some serious business goals, remember to include God in all of it. Let Him be a part of what you do.
Talk to the Lord about your ideas, needs, and ventures and then leave the results up to Him, that way the pressure’s on Him to perform and not on you. Yes, do your best but trust God at the same time.
I’ve heard it said, ‘Work as if it all depends on you. Pray as if it all depends on God.’
That’s it, that’s my simple plan for 2017 and I’m sticking to it. I trust you do the same. Please feel free to leave me a comment.
Pastor,
Love the simple plan for 2017, it’s also one I want to apply to my life. God Bless you an family. Love you guys. ??
Sometimes it is the simple things/ideas in life that make all the difference in the world, Pat! Thanks for your comment.
I like your plan ; especially “Work as if it depends on you, and pray as if it depends on God. Great words, thank you Pastor Jorge.
Thank you Barbara!
Sounds like a great plan to me, Jorge! I love your scripture references. I also try to follow this one: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” PROVERBS 3:5
I say ‘try to follow’, because many times I try to work things out on my own and fail miserably!
It’s so awesome to know that God knows our weaknesses and covers them with His love for us!
Exactly, Jim! Proverbs 3:5 is a great verse!!