Resolution Revolution

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 a hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11]

Although many years ago I was actually an event planner, I have always found myself planning and organizing - at work, at church, at home, helping friends plan their events. So naturally, come New Year's, I'm excited to make resolutions. After all, a resolution is merely a "plan" by another name.

Enter 2018. A new beginning. The old has gone, the new has come [2 Corinthians 5:17]. A fresh start. No doubt you made a list of how much weight you want to lose, how much money you plan on saving. If you're like me, you've probably created a very well thought out, comprehensive outline - bullets, numbers, and all - of projects for the year, places to explore, books to read, which organizations I will volunteer my time to, how many verses I will commit to memory, credit accounts to pay off, save money, get more sleep, eat better, exercise, lose weight. Resolutions I aim to keep this year no matter what! 

Ahhh...but I forgot the most important point: It doesn't matter how carefully I plan out the year if I don't first consult with my Father. How many times in life didn't I stay up thinking about what I'd say if so and so says this, what I would do if so and so says that?

Woe to the obstinate...those who carry out plans that are not mine...[Isaiah 30:1]. Not once did it go as I planned because In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps [Proverbs 26:9

Besides, "Father knows best" and He will always have my best interests at heart. I know and believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him [Romans 8:28].  Even when things didn't go my way or they didn't go well at all, God always brought me out of it shining and better than before.  Another important point I mustn't overlook when making and trying to keep resolutions is that God is all-knowing. So even before the light bulb goes off in my head, He knows, because all the days ordained for me were written in the book before one of them came to be [Psalm 139:16]. 

In fact, the more I think about it, the less I need to make resolutions. After all, I'm already certain that by leaving it up to the Lord, and acknowledging Him in all ways, He will make my paths straight [Proverbs 3:6]. The Lord actually tells me in Proverbs 4:11, "I will guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths" - therefore, how can I go wrong?

So I've decided that this year I will not be keeping any resolutions. I will simply commit to the Lord whatever I do, and my plans will succeed. [Proverbs 16:3].

Won't you do the same? Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. [Job 22:21] Written by Louisa Guzman

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