New Years Resolution?

Year 2012... Forget the "old" and ring in the "new".

Most likely you are tempted to look back at the past year, remembering failures, errors and committed sins. So... what good would that be to meditate on the negative part of your life. We all come short of the glory of God one way or other. I am not saying to sweep your errors, mistakes and sins under the carpet. But once you have brought these all before the throne of God, confessed and asked forgiveness, the Father does not remember them anymore. He has put them in the sea of forgetfulness. Never mind throwing out a line to bring your rubbish back to the surface again.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but  this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14.

If you are planning in making positive changes to your life begin to make a list of the planned changes and describe how you think to achieve these.  Do NOT make your list too long, unless that the steps for change are related, or else you may become discouraged if you fail in one or other way.  Example of related changes: Meditating upon God's word when you wake up; contact with the Father through prayer before getting dressed; blessing your wife and children before you take off for work. It is advisable to evaluate your progress weekly for the first two months and then to do this monthly.

Practical changes could be; helping out around the house; preparation of  meals; assisting with school projects of the children; staying closer to the family budget; drinking less coffee per day; no snacking between meals etc. These seem to be minor commitments, but they can have a great impact on your family. The best thing is to plan such changes as a family or as a couple. This may provide more incentive, and each one can help in reaching the goal.

It is far better not to take on too many resolutions and be successful at the end, than putting a heavy burden upon your shoulder and then failing some.  Also, don't consider the steps of the changes, to improve your life, as a stick behind the door but rather as a desirable achievement; something you want to do. 

Make sure that you involve your heavenly Father in all the steps you are planning to take.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. Jeremiah 29:11,12.

In general, it is a good idea to set goals in your life, something to work on and something to achieve. Some people with great determination can achieve their goals without problems, others need help and support from friends, family or professionals. One is not superior above the other, since not one person is the same. We all need God in our lives, that whatever we do His name may be glorified. This should be our utmost goal in life.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.  Psalm 27:4,5.

Take up the challenges you may face in this coming year in the strength of the Lord; using the shield of faith as your vital spiritual protection. Have faith in God through which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16)

Be blessed in the name of the Lord.

Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman
*