For personal enrichment the devotional team and I decided to read a chapter of Proverbs daily for the 31 days in January (It’s not too late to join us!). We also agreed to base our devotionals this month on Proverbs and I was assigned Proverbs 16. The book of Proverbs overflows with teaching on how to live our best lives. As I read through Proverbs 16, it clicked that of course, this was all preplanned by God. I ended 2015 with a devotional about change and 5 days later, God is laying on my heart that change is my one word resolution for 2016.
Proverbs 16:9 NLT We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Have you ever created a to-do list and felt like it was never ending? The list becomes longer and you’re not crossing anything old off? I previously relied on to-do list to keep myself organized and what I thought, accountable. However, I felt overwhelmed and panicked and this year I want to feel productive and peaceful.
Instead of creating a to-do list, I will ask God what I need to focus on TODAY. God reminds us in James 4:13 that we shouldn’t be planning for tomorrow or even next week. It’s so easy to get caught up in making resolutions or reservations for what we think we ought to do but, James 4:15 NIV: Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
By changing my perspective for what I think I should be doing and allowing God to direct my steps, I can guarantee success because it’s God’s word. Proverbs 16:3 NLT Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. I’m sure I’ll encounter obstacles and struggles but if I praise God through my frustrations it prevents the devil for killing, stealing or destroying the work God is placing in me!
My prayer is Jeremiah 10:23 ERV: Lord, I know that our lives do not belong to us. We have no control over what happens. My change is to be more
intentional about my relationship with God. He has it all figured out, He doesn’t need my help or suggestions. Today God I give you me, flaws and all, with a willingness for change.
I challenge you to ask God for revelation on your one word resolution. This one word will be easy to remember and provide growth in the areas you lack in. I dare you to try!
Cathedral of New Beginnings 