I have waited, and prayed about what I desire for myself in this New Year, or rather, what God wants for me.
Can I share a few thoughts and issue a challenge that you also, may come to the same conclusion that a personal commitment (not a resolution) must be made.
I truly desire to do these things in my own life. I pray that you will too!
My first direction comes from John 3:30. These are the recorded words of John the Baptist speaking of Jesus coming into his world. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Another version says, “He must grow more prominent, I must grow less so.”
This simply means that as our living for Christ proceeds in the days to come, no matter what our lives bring forth in this new year, . . .no matter the pain or joy that we go through during the year, . . .we will hold on to Christ. . .and worship Him . . .and draw closer to Him. (Some of us may have moved too far away). And as we draw closer to Him we must allow Him to come into us and increase in our lives.
Oh, I know that if we are saved, He’s in there . . . our hearts and life, but I am referring to us giving Him permission to be totally active in our lives . . . to allow Him to have access and action in us.
The second part of this thought is from Galatians 2:20. I suggest that you look that up if you do not have that one memorized. Read it slowly and prayerfully two or three times and allow the Holy Spirit to bathe you in His wisdom.
Knowing that Christ lives in our lives is enough to take us through anything . . . and to be able to handle anything! Striving to make Christ live greater in us is exactly what I believe God wants us to do as a goal this coming year . . . beginning today!
No matter what health problems or troubles arise, the more He has increased in us the more our “will” and “desire” will not be a factor in our lives! Jeremiah 29:11 says in effect: God knows exactly how He feels and thinks about you (and that’s totally perfect love. Something we cannot understand in this life). He thinks thoughts of peace and not of evil toward you so that you will have hope in Him for your final outcome.
We never know what this New Year will bring. We don’t know the problems we will encounter or what changes will come our way; we don’t even know what blessings the Lord has in store for us. But one thing is guaranteed. No matter what this New Year brings our way, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus Christ will be there for us!
I like what Corrie ten Boom said. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!” God is in control of our future! He is ready to bless us in this coming year. But, we must be ready to walk with Him, . . .worship Him, . . . and obey Him. We can’t expect the Lord to bless someone who is in opposition to His law and His love.
As you look back over 2017, was it a year when you grew spiritually? Did you find yourself becoming a bit more like Jesus? Or, was there some kind of spiritual break down? If so, now is a good time to make a change; resolve to get closer to Jesus! Look at the promise in James 4:8. It says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you!” It’s a win, win situation. Will you commit to making this a goal in your life in 2018? I pray that you will. Oh, will you pray for me along those lines too? I want to get so close to Jesus that when I die and go to Heaven, the change in me will not be such a shock! Happy New Year in Jesus Christ!