Remember to Put the 'Resolve' Into Resolutions

Last week (it feels like last year...okay, bad pun!) I shared some ways to put more ‘resolve into resolutions’ in our journey in 2026.  Again, what is a resolution? It’s a goal. Do you goal set?  I hope you do. I've found it a very helpful spiritual discipline over the years.  As I mentioned, resolution only means to resolve, or be purposeful about what you do.   It comes down to having spirit-led goals and then seeking to fulfill them using God's power and guidance.  It's pretty straight forward and not overly complicated. That's why I can figure it out!  

Okay Pastor Chris, you've sold me.  How then do I do this?  

We need to remember.

We read in Ecclesiastes: “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecc.12:1).  In January, the year is young and the opportunities seem fresh. So many productivity gurus preach a 'gospel' of self-empowerment, but as true GOSPEL people, as bringers and livers of Good News, we know the fragility of human life. We know every breath is a miracle, a gift given to us by God, our Creator.  So it's more that 'awakening the giant within'.   No, we need to remember to be connected to the true source of living power every day of the year to achieve the resolve needed to achieve what God has put before us.

I love the words of the hymn ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’:

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

In a broken and fallen world, creation itself reminds us of God’s great faithfulness. Every new season is a testimony, it’s a signpost to grace. So the proper response to the past year, whether good or bad, is not “I made it through” or “Look what I achieved.” It is “Thank you, Lord.”  Remember that and your whole attitude will change. 

So, as we move in earnest into this New Year, practice a posture of remembering God, his provision, his power and his grace. Then, no matter what hits you, good, bad or ugly, you will be able to handle it. Do this, and you will have resolve to live out your goals and God's plan.  

I continue to be excited for the year ahead, I hope you are too. I know, we're only seven days deep into it, lots is going to change.  We'll have curve balls thrown at us and plans will fall apart, but I remember, and I have resolve.  So, go, be a lighthouse and let your light shine.

In His grip,

Pastor Chris