Resolutions

“That's why we are not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day.”

2 Corinthians 4:16

Feeling the pressure of the clock ticking, of the new year approaching?

Typically, New Year’s Eve/Day focuses on both celebration and extreme repentance. We may, indeed, “live it up” on New Year’s Eve, eating and drinking too much, engaging in various vices. However, with the strike of midnight and/or the glaring light of New Year’s Day and a new year, at that, we declare our newly turned over leaves and selves; this year, we’ll be different, better, changed. So, we embark on a new habit, diet, outlook, whatever. And maybe, we do quite well for the first few days. But then, something happens… We all know the comedy of a resolution; usually, we’re the punch line.

And somehow, we believe the lie that “it’s no use,” that we’re failures. But, regardless of what we do or do not do this new year, resolution or not, God’s always in the renewal business with us.

“Behold, I make all things new.”

Revelation 21:5

Whatever we feel resides inside of us: resolution, success, failure, hope, frustration, we need to realize that God is the Author of lives, not us, and certainly not any imperfect resolution. God is helping us, wanting us to succeed. When we fail, however, His Hand is always outstretched, determined to reach and aid us.

Look at New Year’s, yes, with hope, with optimism, but also with realism and a sense of humor. It’s an imperfect holiday, just like we’re perfect human beings. It’s fodder for entertainment, jokes; it’s a moneymaker, pushing products as well. But it is never the last word on your life and destiny.

 So, if you’re “resolute” with your resolutions, if you succeed or if your feel that you’ve failed already, just remember that you are right on time; it’s not too late for you. You always have a future, regardless of how 2011 starts or plays out! God bless and happy 2011 to everyone out there!

 “My future is in your hands…”

Psalm 31:15