Goodbye 2021 – Hello 2022. Goodbye 365 days, 12 months, 52 weeks, 8,760 hours, and 525,600 minutes. Hello New Year! Lord, as I begin another year and consider my resolutions for this coming year, I look back and realize that every year many resolutions are made and then quickly broken. I am reminded of our children making their New Year Resolutions. They both resolved to give up green beans and turnip greens. They made resolutions they could easily and gladly keep. Lord, as I look at this past year, I am reminded that I have been given the gift of existence. Another year and we are still here. Now as I personally face this New Year I want to sincerely seek to remember what I resolve. Think about what others in the Bible could have resolved.
Following are some good Bible resolutions to resolve for this coming year: I resolve like Noah to live righteously in a wicked world (Gen. 6:8-9). I resolve like Enoch to walk with God (Gen. 5:22). I resolve like Abraham to live by faith (Heb. 11:8-10). I resolve like Aaron & Hur to uphold the hands of my spiritual leaders (Ex.17:12). I resolve like Caleb & Joshua to refuse to let superior members lead me astray (Num. 4:6-9). I resolve like Joshua that our family will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15). I resolve like Esther to boldly speak for justice, whatever the consequences (Esth. 4:16). I resolve like Job to trust in the ways of God even when I do not understand why. (Job 13:15). I resolve like Daniel to continue in prayer (Dan. 6:10). I resolve like John that I will have compassion for those in need (1 John 3:17). I resolve like Andrew to try to lead my relatives and friends to the Lord (John 1:40-41). I resolve like Stephen to have a forgiving attitude toward those who hurt me (Acts 7:60). I resolve like Mary to obey God in heartache (Luke 1:38). I resolve like Onesiphorus to be refreshing to others (2 Tim. 1:16). I resolve like Luke to be a faithful friend (2 Tim. 4:11). I resolve like Paul to forget the past and keep pressing forward (Phil. 3:14). I resolve like Jesus to live for others (John 15:12). I resolve like the Disciples to fulfill the great commission to preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God (Mark 16:15). I also resolve like John that I will look forward to the Lord’s return (Rev. 22:20).
I resolve that with God’s help I personally will seek to make this coming year one of my best years ever! I realize that I cannot change others, but I can change myself. I will remember that the greatest testimony to this world is a changed and consistent Christian life. Lord, also please help me remember what I have resolved throughout this coming year. Lord, as we close another Covid year, let’s remember all those who are not here. Let’s bow our heads and be thankful in our hearts that we are still here for another New Year. – Happy New Year!
