“Resolution Makers – In Order Not to Fail This Year.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Know that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. [Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 20:24]. Man is not able to do what he plans unless God wills it [James 4:13-17]. Being self-sufficient, relying on yourself is a terrible sin in the sight of God. Why?  Self-sufficiency is planning without God! We must acknowledge God in all our ways. [Proverbs 3:6]. Every resolution must be made in dependence on God. You should say, “If the Lord wills, we shall do this or that because the Lord is the one who gives to all life, breath and all things. [Acts 17:25; Daniel 5:23]. For in Him we live and move and have our being. [Acts 17:28]. For Jesus says in [John 15:4-7] – I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? [Mark 12:24].

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. [James 4:13-15; Psalm 25:5]. But you plan according to your knowledge and your understanding, and your resources and what you want to accomplish in life, where you want to go and yet you leave Me out of the planning. How foolish is that? When I’m a God who loves you, cares for you, and will provide for you, undergird you, and protect you. Stop trying to live life without Me. [Jeremiah 10:23]. Don’t engage in vain labor. If you don’t seek My guidance and direction in your planning, you lose. [Proverbs 16:9]. Your resolution must begin with Me. Your resolution must be worthy of Me. Your resolution must be powered by Me. Your resolution must be glorifying to Me. Your resolution must be fulfilled by Me. Your resolution must be by the grace to Me. Without my power, you can do nothing. [John 15:4-5]. So, make your resolution “God centered.” [Matthew 6:33]. Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. [Proverbs 16:3; Psalms 37:4].

Now don’t misunderstand me, resolutions in and of themselves are beautiful things. They encourage us to analyze our lives, edit, and make changes where needed. They inspire us to think deeper, dream bigger, and explore how we truly can be the best versions of ourselves. The problem however is that most resolutions that are made are not rooted in bringing honor to God but rooted in bringing honor to oneself. God is not interested in helping us to bring honor and glory to ourselves. God is not willing to share his glory with any man. But if our resolutions are God honoring, then we can expect His help in seeing our resolution come to pass. [John 14:14; Proverbs 23:18].

Understand biblical resolution is not just about making commitments; it’s about surrendering our will to God, trusting in His faithfulness, and allowing Him to lead us in every aspect of our lives. [Proverbs 3:5-6]. Because many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand. [Proverbs 19:21].

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. So here I stand Lord, my life is in your hands. I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me. I give myself away. Take my heart. Take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans, I place them in your hands. [I Give Myself Away – Song by William McDowell].

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. [Jeremiah 17:7-8].

They couldn’t believe what is impossible with man is possible with God. They choose rebellion over resolution. What sorrow awaits them, says the Lord. [Isaiah 31:1; Zephaniah 1:6].

You make plans that are contrary to mine. [Isaiah 30:1]. Okay, have it your way. Daughter of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live, declares the Lord God, “I will not be inquired of by you.” [Ezekiel 20:3].

For the shepherds have become stupid and have not sought the Lord; Therefore, they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. [Jeremiah 10:21].

Author: Wallace