February 1
Goodbye January
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil. ––Proverbs 4:26-27 NKJV
How did January go for you? Did you know that only 25% of New Year’s resolutions are kept after 30 days? I don’t really make resolutions as much as I set goals and objectives. But even many of those items are forgotten by the time February rolls around. So here’s the good news, man of God, that Jesus wants you to hear:
The past year is just that: the past. Whether you consider it a good year or bad, know that God doesn’t view things that way.
I can imagine Him telling you—and me—this:
First, there is my love for you.
It covers everything, whether you realize it or not. When you failed, you were covered. When you succeeded, you were covered. When you sinned in secret, you were covered. When you sinned in public, you were covered. No matter what you did, where you went, what you failed to do or did not do, there was my love.
Second, there is my grace for you.
My grace is given because I love you. Many of my children struggle to grasp this part—but I understand, because our Father is infinite. How can His finite children grasp the infinite? But the wonderful thing, my son, is that you don’t need to fully understand to fully partake in His grace. When I gave my life nearly 2,000 years ago, I did so willingly and freely. My resurrection was the lynch pin that secured your place in the Infinite: through my death, yours sins were covered, and through my resurrection, your eternal position is secured. That’s grace!
Third, there is my mercy for you.
If it is true that grace is the Father giving his children what they do not deserve (eternal life), it is equally true that mercy is Him not giving His children what they do deserve. Like a prisoner condemned to death for his crimes, but then pardoned and set free, His mercy is beyond comprehension. My son, think of it as an umbrella under which you stand. Outside that umbrella is only darkness and death—but because of His love, grace, and mercy, you stand under His sheltering arms.
Lastly, there is my plan for you.
Know that my plan for you is powerful—if you are willing to surrender your resolutions, goals, and lists to me. If you do, man of God, you will never walk alone, even when you might be by yourself.
That’s an awesome thing to contemplate.
Father, thank You for Your voice that still speaks to Your children today. I am grateful for how You care for me and accept me just as I am.
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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-years-resolutions-tips-why-they-fail/#:~:text=While%20it%20differs%20for%20everyone,10%25%2C%20accomplish%20their%20goals.