New Year Resolution
Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.
Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Timothy 4:15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
While researching for this blog post, I found a great article. It was in Crosswalk.com, written by Jennifer Heerin entitled God is Pleased by our Progress not Perfection published January 27, 2017. I’m so thankful I found it.
Do you make commitments to change something on New Year’s? Very rarely have I done that. Mostly because I make a “habit” of changing something throughout the year….and usually fail and revert back to the old before very long. For example, I smoked for several years. I would pick a favorite number and decide to quit on that numbered day of a certain month. There was extra certainty if that number landed on a Monday—first day of a new work week, so that much power in the date chosen. Nope, could just as easily fail.
I generally was not controlled enough to stick with my improvement decisions for long. So, if I could not stick to it on regular days, why would I risk a bigger failure choosing to change something in the New Year? There are still areas I work on and try to become better at, or give up things that are less healthy for me to deal with, and I believe that will be a lifelong process. But certainly, and thankfully, smoking is no longer on that list. There are a few other things that have been mastered over the years, but again, not given up on that brand new start of a new year.
I do try to choose a word for each new year. I want a word that will remind me I need to grow and improve in an area. A couple years ago, I chose ‘open’ as I needed to be more open to people and new experiences, to other ideas and be able to show them the truth in the Word; and I also needed to try to force myself to be approachable as well as easier and quicker when approaching others. For decades, I allowed whatever to hold me back from greeting and seeking others. (Yuck, how much did I lose with THAT behavior?) However, it was work and a great effort for me to push away from my shyness, hesitancy, and nerves. And when I would feel myself holding back, hesitating, or even getting ready to retreat, the Holy Spirit would remind me of the word ‘open.’
In all honesty, occasionally I would retreat, get to my car, then scold, tell myself to stop being a ninny, and go back in…and I’d go back in. And always had a pleasant experience. Imagine that! There were other times, when remembering my word and my intent for the year, I’d go forward and the warmth of another was a “reward” in a way. (Not a big deal for most others, but it was a chore for me to go forward and not choose to duck out.). My relationships with others grew, I gained some confidence, and had some real nice experiences.
So, this year, I will choose a word that is pertinent and see what the following of that will bring. It’s a way for me to see progress, writing the word, reminding myself of the word, and following His lead.
So, just a thought, but do you do anything special for a new year? Happy New Year to all with abundant blessings.
Thank You, Lord, for all You do for ‘me and mybellaviews.’
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