New years resolutions…what’s the point of them? I mean most of us break them within a week…at least I do. But why do we consistently do them? Seems that most people would like to improve their lives, even in the most menial of ways. You may have big goals or lots of small ones. Regardless, I think it shows that people want to change for the better. I think this is commendable, as we should always be looking for ways to improve. But what things are we trying to change and what things do we truly want to change?
For me, there are many things I WANT to change, but I don’t really TRY to change. There has been a huge weight on my shoulders these past couples of months, which I believe stems from a fast that I and my fellow Youth Staff completed in the months of October and November. I really wanted God to show me what needed to change in my life. During this period, there were several things that came to mind. But, as soon as the fast was completed, I didn’t take the steps to change those things.
There are aspects of our lives that only God can change, but with that, comes some responsibility on our part. God doesn’t do all the work. God gives the opportunity, and we must actively pursue the steps to change. God is not a puppet master, directing our steps without our consent. He doesn’t just step in when He wants. He waits. When we are ready and willing, he steps in and takes over. Problem is, many times we don’t allow this to happen. We wait for God to do it and don’t want to take the step.
In my life, God has waited for me to take the first step, then from there has guided and directed my path. Why is that? Seems that he wants us to STEP out in faith. When we do this, we show God we want to change, want Him to guide us.
For me, one of my resolutions is essentially allowing God to guide and direct my life more than he has recently. I have been trying to do it on my own, thinking that God was directing when He wasn’t. I was. It seems I’ve had a dark cloud over me the past month or so and I’m over it. Time for me to get my butt in gear and do the things I know I need to do. Prayer, fasting, and Bible reading are all on my list among other things. These are things I know will help me to allow God to actually guide my steps. Funny thing is, my favorite verse is Psalm 119:105, which says, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Kind of shows me what needs to be a bigger part of my life starting today.
What are things that you are TRYING to change?
