I open a new journal. The first blank page bound in a book of the unrecorded and undiscovered for 2013. A book to be read by me.
God’s mercies are splashed over every sheet already.
This past year has been a difficult one. Storms and sorrows, deficits and uncertainty. It’s easy to become anxious as we face the unknown. So, I read through old journals, discolored with time, reminding me of what I do know . . . God’s mercies are new every day, every year. His holy eye is watching over front to finish.
I’m not one for resolutions. Instead, I declare an intention . . . to remember this one truth when the entries in my journal don’t match my expectations . . . the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:12
One of the great American revivalists of the last three centuries, Jonathan Edwards, sat down at age 17 and penned 21 resolutions. By the time he reached the end of his life, he developed a mission statement for godly-living, a list of 70, using it as self-evaluation every week. The litany began with, Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions.
Truth is, life’s fast and I hope to get it right. No need for me to read all 70 to be perfectly blessed and challenged, so I’ll share the few riches that are not only fit for a puritan preacher living life in the 1700s, but actually suitable for you and for me . . . in 2013.
Ponder his resolves:
#5 Resolved never to lose one moment of time, but improve it the most profitable I possibly can.
#17 Resolved that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
#25 Resolved to examine carefully and constantly what that one thing in me is which causes me in the least to doubt the love of God, and to direct all my forces against it.
(taken from resolutions for Godly Living by Jonathan Edwards).
. . . and so, I write my first entry in my journal, beginning . . .
Great is His faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22
Resolved to remember.
Blessings on the year ahead, Verna
http://www.apuritansmind.com/the-christian-walk/jonathan-edwards-resolutions/
Verna
I’m reminded of the powerful hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” Yes, indeed, thank You for Your faithfulness.
Nothing compares to the words (and truth) of those ancient hymns — or ancient resolved(s) . . . thanks, Marlene!
What a wonderful set of resolutions–and a great perspective. The turn of the year always makes me feel awkward and uncomfortable. Also, as a natural cynic, the idea of setting any kind of goal makes me immediately doubt my ability to complete it–and the ultimate purpose if I do. I like choosing Scripture verse though.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
I find it so comforting, and yes, useful, to strive towards God-given goals that He already set in motion and specifically called me for:
“…that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…” -Philippians 3:9-11
I find Paul’s narrative structure confusing sometimes, but I definitely resonate with his words!
Janeen – I’ve missed you! I love the passage you’ve shared from Philippians . . . forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, is a good Word to walk in right now . . . blessings on the year ahead . . .
Verna, you’re the second person today who has mentioned opening a blank journal and the potential those pages hold. Thank you for reminding me that I can do nothing without Him, regardless of my intentions.
And I totally understand your “This past year has been a difficult one. Storms and sorrows, deficits and uncertainty. It’s easy to become anxious as we face the unknown.” The older I get the more I realize three things: 1)I am powerless to make anything happen, 2)He truly is in control, and 3)He can take all my messes and use them for His glory if I let Him.
Love and blessings as we fly through another year!
The beauty of getting older . . . we come to realize those very special things all the more, don’t we? I thank you, Vonda for adding so much with your rich comment.
Verna, I love this…A new journal for a new year, and a resolve to remember His mercies are new every morning…Great is His Faithfulness. Thanks for sharing these resoloves. I will look forward to reading more! Hugs, Glenda
Every morning . . . and so we can go on . . . love you, Glenda.
I’m so thankful for those new mercies every morning! Blessings in 2013!
Me, too . . . ! I pray your year ahead will be overflowing with them!