A Resolution for the New Year

Written by Kate Krumreig

Are you someone who likes to make resolutions as a new year begins?
I am not. 

In fact, if I'm being brutally honest, I sometimes scoff to myself when I hear or see others share their resolutions.  I think, "Yeah right, good luck with that one.  Let's see how long that lasts."  I know that is incredibly wrong of me; Who am I to judge?   Who am I to put people down behind their back?  Would I appreciate someone not believing in me when I am committed to a healthy change in my life?  ​NO!  I should never assume someone will be unsuccessful in their goals, especially when they are excited to better themselves. I guess I'm just someone who struggles to see the point in making a plan that will, most likely, become a disappointment.  I cannot stand to disappoint others and I very much cannot stand disappointing myself.

Wow, Kate.  What are you even talking about?  These are miserable words to ponder as we begin a new year in the Lord.  I think I'll stop reading now.

Yeah.  I don't blame you for wanting to stop.  I wouldn't want to keep reading either if I were you...except that, as I've been typing, Jesus has been giving me that "Keep going.  You'll get to My point" feeling in my stomach.  Ever had that?  It's a pretty convicting feeling. 

As I've been writing today, He has been reminding me of my incredibly imperfect human nature and His unfathomably perfect ability to forgive.  It is only through Him that we can be forgiven of our sins. We read in 1 John (1:5-9):

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I do not claim to be without sin.  Father God, I am a sinner.  I am most definitely a sinner.  I confess that I have sinned against you and ask for forgiveness, Lord,  for my ill thoughts towards others who want nothing more than to do good and be well.  I ask that you guide my heart and my mind to do Your will.  Help me today and each day to bring glory to Your name.  Amen.

I suppose I should rethink that new year resolution thing.  What can I resolve to do that will bring glory to my King in 2020?  Maybe I should resolve to think before I think, speak, and act?  Perhaps I should resolve to spend more time encouraging others and walking with them in their journey?  

​What will you resolve to do this year for the Lord?
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