Resolutions Worth Keeping

"Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust Him, and He will help you."  

Proverbs 37:5

It's that time of year again when people start thinking about all the things they want to do differently and see happen in the new year that's about to begin.  There is something about the beginning of a new year that inspires people to begin anew, start over, change things up, and wipe the slate clean.  It's sad though that people only really think about this at this time of year and most "new years resolutions" fizzle out all to quickly, and are forgotten about until the end of the year rolls around and people are faced with another new year.  So how do we go about making changes or resolutions that take root in our hearts and bring forth permanent life changes and what do those types of resolutions look like according to Gods Word?  
"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed."  Proverbs 16:3
That verse is so easily misunderstood and used incorrectly.  People skim over that first part "Commit your actions to the Lord..." and go right to "...your plans will succeed."  They read that and they think, "If I pray a little, go to church sometimes, and read my Bible then that thing I want or have been working so hard for will come true."  Does that make you squirm a little?  Good!  God's speaking to your heart, be still and listen!  The most important part of this verse is the part that is skimmed over, the committing ones actions to the Lord.  I was just talking to my kids today about this very thing, making Jesus the Lord of your life.  This has nothing to do with your salvation.  This is taking your relationship with Jesus to a deeper level, where you choose to let go of the steering wheel of your life and hand it over to Him.  It's something you have to choose to do daily (unlike salvation, which is a one time done deal!)  It's choosing to commit everything you say and do, feel and think, to the Lord.  It's choosing to put Him first in every situation by going to Him in prayer and in reading His Word before finding out what anyone else thinks or has to say about a situation or decision you have to make.  It's letting your roots grow deeply in Him so that nothing can shake your faith and you not only know what you believe but why you believe it!  It's setting aside your plans for your life and looking to God to lead you in the ways and plans He has for you, even when that takes you down a path that doesn't make sense, that was never even on your radar for your life!  This kind of commitment to the Lord will ensure that your plans or resolutions will succeed because then they will truly be in line with God's plans for you. If what you have been doing is leaving you more stressed than joyful; if you feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders more often than not; if your plate is way too full yet there is still a longing or an emptiness inside you then it's time to make a resolution, right here right now, to let go of the steering wheel of your life and make Jesus the Lord and Master of all you are.  It's time to fully surrender to the Lord.  It's time to stop and be still and start living the life you were created by God to live!  "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.' "  Matthew 11:28-30
I LOVE this verse!  Let's look at it in regards to making resolutions.  Some things you won't find in God's word when it comes to life changes (making resolutions) is working toward goals to make more money, having to be a certain size, trying to get more things or higher status or power.  These are just not things God cares about. Money is fine and can be used for wonderful purposes and is necessary to pay bills and take care of our families but to constantly be working for more and needing more and wanting more isn't something you will find God saying you should be focused on.  Eating healthy and getting exercise is important in order to have the physical  energy we need to carry out the plans God has for us but being on diets, detoxs and juice cleanses off and on all through our lives and making it a yearly resolution to lose weight or get more toned or spend more time in the gym is not something you will find in Gods Word as being something we need to spend our time being consumed with or so focused on.  Working our way up the proverbial ladder of status and achievement is perfectly fine but should not be a driving force in your life, as it's not something God says is important in His Word.  This life is not our own, as much as we tend to think it is.  We were put here for purposes way more profound and way more meaningful than money, status, power, achievement and external looks.  So what are some things God would have us resolve to change and make better in our lives? As the above verse says, he does have a yoke and a burden for us to carry.  We aren't supposed to be lazy in this life. The promise though, is that His yoke and burden for us is easy to bear and that is because whatever He calls you to do, He will surely equip you to do.  So what are some resolutions (life changes) you can make right now that are worth keeping according to God's Word?  Serving Others  "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others." Philippians 2:3-4
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  James 1:27

Loving Others  "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."  John 13:34

"And do everything with love."  1 Corinthians 16:14

"You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.  Love each other deeply with all your heart."  1 Peter 1:22

"If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that?  Even sinners love those who love them!  And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit?  Even sinners do that much!  And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit?  Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.  Love your enemies!  Do good to them.  Lend to them without expecting to be repaid.  Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.  You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."  Luke 6:32-36

Loving God   "Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and with all your strength."  Matthew 22:37

"...Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul."  Joshua 22:5b


"But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes."  1 Corinthians 8:3

Learning God's Word  "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval,  Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15

"How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.  Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:103-105

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you...I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.  I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word."  Psalm 119:11 &15-16

These are just the tip of the iceberg of areas in your life where God wants you to grow and change and make resolutions worth keeping.  So as you enter this new year, I pray you stop and really think about what it is that God is calling you to change in your life.  What resolutions would He have you make for this upcoming year, and for the rest of your life?  Are you ready to step out in faith and make some changes that are truly worth making?  Are you ready to stop living according to your plan and start living according to Gods?  Are you excited to see what all He has planned for you and what He will do with you once your life is totally committed and surrendered to Him?  I know I am!  I have been quietly making these changes and resolutions in my own life over the past several months and the doors God is opening and the opportunities He is leading me to in accordance with His plans for my life are awesome!  I wouldn't trade this journey of growing closer to Him and knowing Him better and better for any amount of money or status or achievement this world has to offer!  Happy 2016 to all of you!  Let's make this years resolutions ones worth keeping!