As the new year begins it is, as always, a time of reflection. Most of us begin each year with high hopes and new resolutions. Maybe it is exercise, diet, or defying an addiction such as smoking. Another year another promise and for many another promise broken. Our resolve seems to melt as the snow before warmth of spring.
I do recall my own resolutions from many different years in the past. Smoking and drinking were always at the top of my lists. There was one year where I actually quit smoking for about 2 months. Well, I really didn’t quit completely. Still sneaking a cigarette once or twice a day but I reasoned that my habit was at about two packs a day at the time so that was as much quitting as I could muster!
Other years were not much better. Resolving to cut back on booze or greasy foods. To exercise more and drink more water. So many good intentions without much to show for results. None of it worked. Yet today I am booze and smoke free. I am a confirmed vegetarian. A much healthier man than I was at thirty, even with terminal cancer. None the result of a New Year’s resolution. All the result of knowing God’s will and His resolve for my life.
The truth is all the changes in my life had little to do with my resolution, period, be it New Years or otherwise. I found like most of us who have tried to change ourselves that the results are beyond disappointing. They can be discouraging and, in some cases, cause utter despair. It is only in and through God’s Word that I have found the transforming power that has truly made a difference.
One of my favorite books of the New Testament says this, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Do you see it? God’s word is alive! It is active! It can cut through all our inabilities to deal with our addictions and problems. The things our most determined resolves melt in front of. The things that affects us right down to the joints and marrow. I sure know drinking was like that for me. It was part of everything I did. It seemed an insurmountable thing. Yet in God’s love for me it was not.
No, it did not happen overnight. No ‘poof’ and the urge to drink was gone, it was more like a realization. Knowing and trusting that God had more planned for me than to spend my life inside a bottle. His Word assured me this, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I believed Him. And I think that was and is the first step. Not resolving to stop through my own will power, but to trust in His plan for my life. In which he assured me that it did not include drugs or alcohol. If I trusted Him day by day, I would have victory!
Some people have told me, “You make it all sound so simple! Well, it is not that way for me!” To them I have said, “It is not simple or is it easy. God does not promise ‘easy’ or simple. But he does promise this, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) If we are willing and can take that first step, He will be with us every step of the way and I have assured those who have questioned and those who read this today it is true. I am living proof.
So, what does all this mean? Am I telling you not to start the year with ‘New Year’s Resolutions’? No, I do not mean to discourage anyone who wants or desires to change their life for the better. But as the year begins let’s try it God’s way. I am starting this year with a prayer, “Lord, this year I resolve to trust and surrender all to you. I know I am powerless over the worldly things that still draw me far from you. I seek the power of our Savior who said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) May His power through the Holy Spirit strengthen me and power my resolves throughout the coming year and beyond. Amen!”
Jesus is my resolve this year. May he be yours also. For whatever you are struggling with, you can be assured, He has overcome the world.
Blessings John
1/2/19
