Resolve to be Purposeful

Resolve: Firmness of purpose. A determination or decision.

I actually hate making New Year's resolutions. I never stick with them. Instead I've started saying "these are things I want to work on." Which, in reality, if I was honest with myself is the exact same thing. I just can't get past the cliche of calling it a "resolution." Thank you modern society. :)

I do have a list of things I am determined to work on all year though. They aren't major life changes, and won't require me to remember to do something every single day, but they will require me to change my attitude, and my motivation in some ways. All of this got me thinking, which is pretty dangerous at best. But it led me to Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9

⁹ The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.

This is in no way an "out" to slack off on your resolutions. It instead reminds us that although we as humans have the capability and priveledge of making our own plans, it ultimately lies on God to determine how and if we get there. This verse reminds us that as dependent creatures, we are subject to God's direction, which sometimes doesn't line up with our plan. He knows that when our way will bring harm to us, or does not bring Glory to God, He will have to move our steps a little, and gently nudge us in a different direction(and unfortunately sometimes He has to literally pick us up and throw us in a different direction, but that's usually due to our own stubbornness). But the great news is, if our plan is laid out, and sees to benefit the Kingdom, and our end goal is to glorify God, then He will direct our steps, and make our path purposeful. He will protect and guide us! Doesn't that excite you?
If God is for us who can be against us?

So as you make your resolutions and try to stick with them this year, I pray that you are reminded that God is establishing your steps. Your worst enemy in this instance is yourself, and Satan knows that. Don't doubt he will use your self doubt and laziness to work against you in the coming year. He lives for it. But remember,

 ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39

Ultimately isn't that what it's all about anyway? We can make grand resolutions but in the end what matters is that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. And all our resolutions should indeed be centered around that. Reminding ourselves that He is rooting for us! He doesn't want us to fail, even in the littlest of things. He cares about what you care about. My resolutions this year should all be focused on remembering His love and His calling to go into the world. I am making a resolve to be purposeful! Maybe this post is just one little way I can spread God's love, even if only to a few of you. Maybe THIS is why I  felt called to blog.

Happy New year my new friends. May God bless your path this coming year! As the old praise chorus says,
"Be bold and be strong, banish fear and doubt.
For the promise of your God
Is to bless you coming in and to bless you going out."