God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! The beauty of a new start is that as long as we walk on this earth we are granted these opportunities over and over again. Psalm 51:10-12
[gigya src=”https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/cdn/embed_player.swf” style=”background-color:transparent; display:block; max-width: 700px;” flashvars=”image_option=small&imgURL=&link_color=%2358d1eb&mp3Author=mitzineely&mp3Duration=183066.0&mp3LinkURL=https%3A%2F%2Faudioboom.com%2Fboos%2F4014117-do-my-goals-align-with-his-plans-for-my-life&mp3Time=07.33pm+02+Jan+2016&mp3Title=Do+MY+goals+align+with+HIS+plans+for+my+life%3F&mp3URL=https%3A%2F%2Faudioboom.com%2Fboos%2F4014117-do-my-goals-align-with-his-plans-for-my-life.mp3%3Fsource%3Dwordpress&player_theme=light&rootID=boo_player_1&show_title=true&waveimgURL=https%3A%2F%2Fd15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net%2Fi%2Fw%2F4214628″ width=”100%” height=”150″ allowFullScreen=”true” wmode=”transparent”]
Listen to iPhone or iPad here.
One of the things I hear and read so much about as a new year approaches are the resolutions and goals people have planned. The excitement reminds me there is hope and renewal ahead. It’s also one of the things I love about this time of year–we have the chance to start over and do things differently.
I’m just like you when it comes to writing down the list of goals I want to commit to, but as I’ve learned throughout life, I have to be realistic about what goals are good for me and which ones are not. I focus not only on goals that are doable and safe, but also on ones that may present a challenge. I choose to try the tough ones because I’m passionate about them. Either way, each goal represents a piece of who I am.
As I started journaling about what 2016 might look like I actually asked myself these questions:
- Why are these goals or plans important to me? Can I measure my growth and progress?
- What must I do differently to see that these goals and commitments become reality?
- And do MY goals and dreams align with GOD’s heart and plan for my life?
Why would I do this? Because when I move forward in the new year I want to commit my goals, dreams, and plans to HIM. I want to live this firm commitment through the words, ‘I am RESOLVED.’
When I say that “I am RESOLVED”, it reminds me that while 2016 is an opportunity for me to be a better version of myself, it also means that I will continue to seek HIS truth and keep my sights on HIM. I know that I am already resolved in God’s eyes because of the new start Jesus already gave me, and continues to give me every day through His grace.
That simple phrase could also hold other meanings of significance or provide another reminder. I encourage you to reflect (and comment if you’d like) what the phrase ‘I am RESOLVED’ could mean for you in this new season.
The importance of this phrase comes from one my of my favorite old hymns by the same name. Each time I sing it, I’m saying I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.
I will not linger in my pursuit of growing my faith or in my resolve to be different than the world. Romans 12:11 tells us, “Rather than lingering, we are to be ‘not lagging behind’ in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
As I move forward I will trust Him, follow Him, read His word, and spend time in prayer so I can be more like Him. He is the ONE who will lead me in the direction I am supposed to go.
HE is the one who lovingly provides me with hope and renewal. It is through HIS grace that I have chance after chance to start over, do things differently, and make the needed changes HE desires.
I am RESOLVED!
Love and blessings for a bright new year! I’ll be praying for you.
Mitzi
The ‘I am RESOLVED’ theme first appeared on Peacefully Imperfect. Photo image created by Kaitlyn Harris, Baylor University Sophomore
Leave a Reply