Renewal vs. Resolutions

The Feb. 15, 2016 edition of CCM Magazine

It might seem more fitting that a short op-ed piece about renewal would be written around the time of new years. I’ve never been a huge fan of new years’ resolutions, mostly due to the fact that I’ve been terrible at keeping them—and usually for not much longer than a week-or-so! So, am I finally getting around to writing my new years blurb, now that it’s February 15? Funny, but that’s not the case, here.

Renewal, in the spiritual sense, is welcomed at any time. And for many of us, perhaps we’re just now coming into the realization that our lives are once again, back into that familiar end-of-the-year chaos. “I really wanted to start the year off right,” we might be moaning, while we spend another hour at work on Facebook, have a second slice of pie, or spout off that four-letter word. Stop. Take a deep breath. There’s good news!

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Whew. He loves us (always and forever)—and He will forgive and guide us, all the same, despite the gap between our best intentions from Jan. 1 and where we stand right now. Feeling a little lighter? Pray Psalm 51:10 to Jesus: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Strength for the road ahead: Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Finally, walk out your next steps today with Ephesians 4:23 in your head, …be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and seize the day, the month, the year renewed.

Blessings,