Rearranging Resolutions

I’m not one to tackle New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s fear of failure or intimidation. But looking back over 2011, I see things I wish I’d done, but didn’t. So this year I’m determined to accomplish a few things.

Here is what I jotted down in my journal to start on my personal goals:

In 2012, I want to achieve. I want to prosper. I want to create… cultivate eliminate grow love … I want… I want… I want…

The more I wrote, the more confused I got over what my goal should be: plain and simple. As I re-read my journal, this verse came to mind.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” ~Isaiah 55:8

I laid my pen down and paused to hear God’s take on this verse … and my resolutions. I imagined Him saying: Your goals are so vast. I see what you want, but there is ONE main focus you need to consider…

You see, my long list of “wants” is exciting for a new year. But my wants make it difficult to focus on the one thing that’ll make 2012 a success: time with Jesus.

So I simplified my goals, shifted my focus and wrote this simple prayer: Lord, help me see the one thing You want me to focus on this year. Help me put aside all my dreaming and take up Your priority for my life.

Then I merged my goal and His for 2012: Allow the glory and purposes of Jesus to increase in my life while my personal agenda decreases (John 3:30).

Life moves quickly. Once we start a New Year it’s difficult to stop and evaluate where we stand. I’m hoping my one simple goal will keep me focused. I’m looking toward 2012 as a year of excitement and success based on the Lord’s plans for me, rather than the grand concoctions I dream up.

Hope you’ll join me…


Something else…

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD… {Jeremiah 29:11-14a}

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. {Colossians 3:1-2}