resolve

Waking up is an adventure as you grow older.

It's like starring in your own reality series on The Learning Channel.
Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing here?

Some of you may know that a few weeks ago, my husband woke up with a detached retina and accused me of slugging him while he slept. (Not guilty) All routine was suspended for the day in order for two doctors on opposite sides of town to examine him in preparation for next day’s surgery. I might as well add there were snow flurries and a flat tire and a hospital parking lot busier than the mall!

A week later, at his post-op appointment, I mentioned to the doctor (he’s my retinal specialist too), that I was having sympathy symptoms (I’m not a hypochondriac). The doctor explained that studies show the visual outcome for patients who have treatment within a day, like my husband, or within 6-10 days is about the same.

I like it when I can pick and choose when to be patient about the process. This leaves me free to quit when things get hard and make snap decisions when things aren’t going my way. Wait, this is The Problem. By denying that time is God’s gift and patience my responsibility, I’ve left no room for God to demonstrate his strength through my dependence on Him. Making sure He receives all the credit is why we wake up every day.

If Christmas is the exclamation point this season, then New Year’s is the question mark. Tuned into our clocks and calendars, we tend to turn our good intentions into resolutions. But we are notoriously unsuccessful at living up to every expectation.

Instead of exhibiting prideful willpower, rely on God’s faithfulness to keep his promises. We make it our goal to please him. (2 Cor.: 5:9). Claim God’s power to reveal the characteristics His Spirit has already communicated within believers. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Gal. 5:22) Rest assured that these changes within you are your inheritance, not your ability. You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord. (Zech. 4:6)

Enter promises of God at www.biblegateway.com or google the phrase to find over 1.5 million resources. A topical Bible and concordance are helpful for finding key scriptures to align God’s attributes with your metamorphosis. We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (Prov. 16:9)

Weave His promises into your routine. Set up your passwords as Bible verse references. Receive a daily email devotional to focus your mind and purpose on Jesus. Write a verse on the calendar as you would an appointment for each month. Repeat it aloud whether elated or distressed and look for opportunities to offer it to others as easily as you might discuss the weather. Pray God’s promise back to Him and remind Him that you are aware and thankful for the hard work He will accomplish day-by-day within you. Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. (Romans 12:2)

When an obstacle threatens to overwhelm or you’re sleepless for rehashing your circumstances, sing to yourself God’s words. Imagine the One who spoke creation into existence singing too. He is your change agent and the answer to every resolution.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.