Pressing on for Jesus Christ in 2023
Each year millions sit down to write out their New Year’s Resolutions. Some of you will decide to exercise more; for others, it is to lose a little or a lot of weight, and there are many other things people plan to do with the new year.
But what about our walk with the Lord? Will Jesus play a more significant role in our lives this year?
If we leave Jesus out of our plans, we will continue just as we are. You do not grow unless you plan to.
We cannot stop once we have started. Paul says,” But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sitting still is not an option that God gives us. The act of following Christ is revolutionary. It requires a change in us.
We need to plan our growth in the following three ways at least.
We need to commit to depending on God In All Things
Understanding that our lives are short and that we have very little control is vital to our well-being. Having someone else in charge is the opposite of our natural desires. We want to believe that we are in charge, at least of our own life.
James makes this idea of being in control very clear when he says, “14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15 NKJV
Depending on God in the new year is the answer to peace. Christians do not have to be concerned about what is coming. We should instead plan on serving Him and let Him handle the big picture. He will take care of the future anyway.
The scripture says to 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 He is the one in charge, and we need to commit ourselves to trust Him daily.
Think of David’s 23rd Psalm. “The Lord is my shepherd…” David was a king with great power, but he realized he was not in charge of his daily life. He says, “give us this day our daily bread.”
This year let us resolve to trust in Jesus Christ and wait patiently on Him. Hosea says it like this: 6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. Hosea 12:6
Give God the Glory
This year, let us resolve to give God the glory for all He has done and is now doing in our lives. If you stop and think there is very little reason for us to pat ourselves on the back. Even if it is something you did, it was with the talents that God gave you.
It is God who forgives and purifies us. I tried for many years to make changes in who I am before realizing that God made me. Only God can bring about real change. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Give Him the glory for what He has done, and do not forget to praise Him for what He will do. You can make a real difference if you give Him the glory. It is natural for us to want credit for things in our lives.
Remember, 13 When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, Colossians 2:13 It was He who took our massive sin upon His shoulders in the form of a cross. He asks only that we believe.
Fearless Before God
Fear is a lack of faith. This year let’s plan on trusting in Jesus Christ and giving up fear.
I saw many filled with uncertainty this past year. There was so much negative happening and so much lack of knowledge that it was easy to become unsettled. Many of us lost jobs, homes, and more importantly, loved ones to this disease.
You can understand why so many were full of fear. But should we as Christians allow fear to rule our lives? The Apostle tells us, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
“A peace that passes all understanding!” This is not something that happens overnight. You must practice trusting in God. There is nothing the world can do to you that will take away God’s love or His salvation.
James says, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. …”
If we go back to the Old Testament, we find Isaiah saying:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
In 2023 will you commit yourself to grow in our Lord Jesus Christ? It will give you the strength you need in life and it will bring you peace in all circumstances. Make this New Year a turning point in your life.