Are you all getting ready to put your New Year’s Resolutions down on paper? Does that cause you just a bit of trepidation this time of year? Because, of course, once you’ve written them down, you’re committed!
I’ve had MANY years of making and breaking resolutions as I’m sure we all have. And lately I’ve had stress free January Firsts where I forego that tradition altogether. I’ve learned to love those!
So I want to take a slightly different approach this year while still acknowledging that there are benefits to be gained by doing some self-examination and finding areas that could use some improvement.
But I don’t want to go the full resolution route. I suggest we skip the old “I resolve to…
- lose 10 pounds by _______.”
- go to the gym 5 times a week.”
- stop and visit grandma every week.”
- go on a date night once a month.”
- ask for that promotion.”
- read my Bible every morning.”
Of course, none of these are bad ideas – especially the “read the Bible” one. I’m pretty sure God would be pleased about that one.
But I want to look at the definition of “resolution” and then see if it’s really our best choice. Here’s a pretty standard definition – “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” That fits our New Year’s Resolution scenario perfectly.
I must ask the question, “How successful are we, really, in achieving these resolutions in our own strength?” Based on my own experience and some scientific studies, I’d have to conclude – not very.
One study suggests that only 64 percent of resolutions last longer than the first month, and only 46 percent last longer than six months. Even more discouraging is the statistic that only 14 percent of people over 50 actually achieve their resolution (Yikes!) compared to 39 percent of people in their 20s.
A bit dismal, wouldn’t you say? So what should/could we do instead? And why?
Let’s look at the “why” first. I’d like to suggest that putting all the “resolution eggs” in the same “self-determination basket” may not get us to our goals. In other words, in our own strength, we can often fail to reach our goals.
Scripture certainly addresses this as we see in these texts.
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 NKJV).
- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Cor. 12:9 ESV).
- My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26 ESV).
- He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength (Isaiah 40:29 ESV).
What’s the common theme in these texts? The superiority of God’s power over our own. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather rely on God’s mighty power to work through me, than on my own measly attempts to reach my goals. And don’t forget the power of the Holy Spirit living within the hearts of all believers, and empowering us with those all-important fruits. Especially self-control!
So, I resolve (pun intended) this year to lift a prayer to God, asking Him to be in charge of the changes I need to make. Let’s replace, “I resolve to…” with:
“Dear God,
Please show me the areas in my life where You want to affect change – physically, emotionally, relationally and especially spiritually. Give me the strength and self-control to achieve YOUR goals for my life. Forgive me for the times I stop trusting You or give up too quickly. And in the end, remind me to give all the praise and honor to You when I’m successful.
Amen”
This is MY prayer for me and it’s my prayer for YOU! Happy 2020!
Carol says
Lynne, I love the wisdom and compassion presented in this post. I love your prayer and hope you don’t mind that I also make it my own. I started to say I hope you don’t mind if I steal it. But that didn’t seem a great phrase for how I wanted to approach the new year. May God bless you and keep you close to him in the new year. With love.
Lynne Hoeksema says
Steal it, borrow it, make it your own – it’s all good! Because most of this is God’s message anyway. Trying to remind myself Who is really in charge here – hard for those of us who REALLY like to be in charge. Prayers for you and your family in 2020 as well. Would be great if we could meet up somewhere, sometime. Hugs!
Brenda Stephany says
Wonderful advice Lynne! May 2020 be a year of blessings for you!
Lynne Hoeksema says
Thanks, Brenda. I pray the same for you!
Cindy says
Karen was right…this one is my fav!!! Claiming your prayer and thanks for sharing this! Love you cuz!!
Lynne Hoeksema says
I’m so glad it spoke to you! Yes, spread the prayer far and wide.😊 So much better than us trying to achieve it all. Love you back,cuz. 💕