Last year was a whirlwind of ups and downs in our family. My husband had two unexpected surgeries that rocked his world. As I sift through last year’s events, I’m struck by how God has heard every prayer. He has consoled me and walked alongside me even on the darkest days. I often wonder about the millions of people in the world, why He should care about me. But He does. He loves each of so much. For those who have professed their faith in Christ, you have been given a special gift, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He teaches us, guides us in truth, convicts us of sin, reminds us, bears fruit through us, comforts us, equips us, fills and empowers us. The Holy Spirit can guide you into making and keeping fresh commitments for 2018.
Fresh commitments for the New Year:
1. Make a firm commitment and be resolved to stick to it. Quit making resolutions you are probably not going to keep and quit making excuses. Whether it’s a commitment to be healthier through diet and exercise, or something completely different, as Nike’s slogan says, “just do it.” The Holy Spirit will empower us to have a strong resolve. I think about how young Daniel resolved not to eat certain foods.
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” Daniel 1:8
2. Deepen your faith and study God’s Word. Reading the Bible consistently every day, even if just a verse. Knowing biblical history and the people who walked with God, God’s plan of salvation and the life of Jesus, awareness of the prophecies yet to come, and understanding the signs for the rapture of the church and Jesus’ second return. Once you memorize a verse, the Holy Spirit will help you recall it when a situation arises. I want to be like David who said,
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42.
If you don’t find yourself thirsting for God’s Word, we must ask ourselves if we are truly saved and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
3. Be resolved to love others, even those that are difficult to love. I must remember that love is a “choice” and sometimes a courageous action on my part. This is the toughest of all because sometimes the people God asks you to love are those who despise Christians. It’s challenging to love those who hate you. This year, I’ll take a deep breath as I forge ahead into the minefield of bad attitudes, hate and even pure evil that is lurking in the world. As a Christ follower, I’m aware I must radiate the same love and light of Christ.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
4. To walk boldly and fearlessly knowing a great God is by my side. The very God who spoke a word and created millions of universes and set our solar system in perfect motion. This is the God who hears me and walks with me daily. He gives me the strength and courage I need for each circumstance in my life. Whatever we see on the news, do not shrink in fear, God is in charge.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
5. Write it all down in a journal. There is nothing like encountering God through prayer journaling. Write it all down, the good, the bad and the ugly; then pray about it. I love reading through journals from years gone by and seeing His invisible hand in everything. Writing provides a cathartic release and can help you see His continual faithfulness. Journaling how God has intersected your life is powerful and transforming.
6. Have a discussion of biblical truth with someone. Perhaps it’s someone who has rejected God, someone who has fallen into a false religion, or someone who is a lukewarm Christian.
“So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Rev. 3:16
Having a discussion of spiritual truth with someone can be scary and uncomfortable especially if you feel you don’t have all the answers. News flash, you don’t have to. As Christians, we are simply a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to reveal the brokenness of our lives and convict people of their sin, not ours. We just need to be obedient to speak up when the time is right.
“And when he comes, the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”. John 16:8
7. Eternity is what matters. The one thing that really matters in this life, is not the material things that we acquire and then give away when we are old. God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We all sense eternity exists – and it does. We are all ordained to die, and we will live forever in one place or the other, heaven or hell. If your friend was standing in the middle of the road and you saw a semi-truck was barreling down the road, and your friend was in the path of destruction, wouldn’t you say something? How much do you have to hate someone not to tell them? My Christ Follower friend, after you were saved, God just didn’t leave you here to sit around and enjoy life. Tell others and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
What to tell them? If they believe that God sent His only son, Jesus, they will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) It’s not enough to be aware of Jesus or heard of Jesus, they must turn from their sin and follow Him. God knows the true intent of their hearts.
This year, make it a priority to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Let Him move you to fresh commitments.