Daily Resolution

By Gina Stinson

The last few years I haven’t made New Year’s resolutions. I used to make the common resolutions as I switched to a new calendar – lose weight, read my Bible more, spend less, get more organized – and each year, somewhere around January 15^th, I realized I’d already failed. I beat myself up, did some pretty degrading self-talk and sometimes even tried again. But, with only a few exceptions, I would eventually give up. What a disappointment!

For a couple of years I conveniently ignored all the hype regarding resolutions and just opted for a resolve-free year. That was a commitment I could keep. That worked well, until I realized what God’s Word had to say about New Year’s resolutions.

Paul knew the secret to successful New Year’s resolutions. He said in I Corinthians 15:31b, “I die daily.” Paul knew in order to live in this fleshly life that we would have to take it a day at a time. That purposeful, driven, intentional decision, made daily, assured a greater success rate. That personal decision to die to myself each day hasn’t turned me into a perfect-professional-daily-resolution maker; instead God has tenderly uncovered those areas in true need of a make-over. 

So this year, the resolutions will come, but in a different package, one that arrives daily, focused on the work God wants to do in my life. Less focus on what I think takes precedence and more attention focused on what He wants. It’s tough…and I am sure I will fail Him, but there’s a calm assurance knowing I’m able to approach Him daily. I don’t have to wait until next year.

PRAYER: Father, Your steadfast love never ceases to amaze me and Your mercies are new every day. Thank You for renewal and forgiveness. Thank You for daily directing my steps. Please help me to welcome those quiet moments with You, when I die to what my flesh wants and resolve to do Your will for my life.

“I die daily,” I Corinthians 15:31b KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson, who resides in Sulphur Springs, Texas, with her family. As a minister’s wife, homeschooling mom of two and publicist assistant, she juggles her time and talents in hopes of honoring and pleasing Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Gina and her juggling at http://journalinggina.blogspot.com.