We’re well into the new year and everywhere we hear about people failing in their resolutions.
How discouraging is that?
It’s as if we expect to dive in for a few weeks and then abandon our resolve until next year. Setting ourselves up mentally for failure doesn’t seem like the best way to tackle the new year. I’d like to know my forward momentum will carry me…well, forward.
So what if our success isn’t so much about setting goals as it is setting our hearts in the right place?
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
How weak are our resolutions and will power? Pretty pitiful. But when we start with God as our focus, our steps will fall into place each day. Whether that is in our work, taking care of our bodies, changing our attitudes, or being a better parent.
We can set goals…
Or we can set our heart on God and let him direct our steps. Consider some of these wise words from Proverbs:
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 19:21
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” 16:9
“…a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” 14:15
I’m finding that when I wake each morning and ask God what he has for me today, he leads me through his word, circumstances, something a friend says, song lyrics, a nudge to my heart to do something or even whispered words in my head. And no amount of resolutions can top that.
I’m not saying goals are bad or wrong.
I believe in being intentional with our lives and goals are part of that. But I believe even more that God has the final word on what is best for my life and how best to bring good to others so by all means, we write down some goals for the year. But each day, asking him for direction fulfills more than just the resolutions.
Peace reigns in that place.
God reminds us in the Bible to “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts… “(Col.3:15) and I’ve found that his peace rules when I seek him first and let him direct my steps each day. No matter what happens, if I’m focusing on him, it will end up being successful.
How are your resolutions coming?
Laura Bennet - Author 
Great stuff, Laura! By the way, did I see you in the ACFW critique group? I finished the orientation a couple of weeks back but have been overwhelmed in my “real” life and not yet able to participate, but I hope to jump in soon! I do get the emails, though, and there was a Laura Bennet in there… 🙂
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Thanks, Heather! Yes, I am in the ACFW group. I’m glad to hear you’ve joined us. My real life has been overwhelming too so I get it. I don’t critique many either – I started a few and have been waiting for people to write more! I’ve been submitting my current WIP and had some good feedback. I just haven’t had time to be consistent with it. I’d really like to connect with one or two consistent critique partners. If you’re ever interested, let me know!
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I will! I hear you. Most of my time has been spent on my WIP, tutoring, teens, and a class I’m taking. I’ve had so little time for blogging and hardly ever have a minute to read others’ blogs. I hope to start being active in the crit group soon. I am WAY behind on my writing goal for the month, so that’s gotta come first! 🙂
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One day at a time – and only as God leads, right? 😉
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Hi Laura,
You are so right. We can plan all we want but it’s God who directs our path . . . if we ask and are willing to be led.
That’s what I’ve been doing lately. And it makes such a difference on my outlook, especially when days are difficult.
I’ll be sharing your post so others may read your insightful words.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I don’t read my emails until I can set some time aside to properly give the posts I receive the time they deserve, like yours.
Keep it up, Laura.
Blessings,
Tracy
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Thanks, Tracy! No worries about the delay…as you can see, I’m on delay too. Since I’m working now, I don’t really get to read emails or blog posts or FB until the weekend. As always, I’m thankful for your friendship and following! So glad to hear your days are being led by God’s hand! It does make a difference, doesn’t it? Hugs!
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