Are New Year’s resolutions helpful?

I love to make New Year’s resolutions. It helps me be positive and look to a better future. The Bible says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)  

God knows the plans He has for you. He wants to bless you and make you a blessing. He only has good plans for you, your family, and your business. Isn’t that exciting and comforting? God is not mad at you, and He doesn’t want to punish you.

I must confess my childhood faith resembled an Old Testament view of God. I believed in God, but He was a scary dude who should be avoided at all costs. He was a punishing God and was always displeased with me. I could so relate to Isaiah: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 64:6, NIV)

Can you relate to my old view of God? Do you have an Old Testament view of God or a New Testament perspective? The New Testament God is a healer, forgiver, and lover. He gave it all for you and promises to give us all: “‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’” (Matthew 7:7, NIV)

In other words, it’s important you sort out and choose the God you serve. Because you will filter all of your trials, opportunities, and tribulations through this “God view” that resides in your “vat.” I recommend that you work on your “vat” because your resolutions will come from the core of your being. The future success of resolutions will largely depend on who you are and not so much on what you do. 

What you do will be successful if you’ve resolved who God is and who you are.

I’m praying you’ll come up with the “God answers” and that you’ll live a life of miracles.