Resolutions
I love the newness of January.
The fresh start of a fresh year. It’s like turning the page. It’s like fresh soil. It’s like a seed full of potential to bloom and grow.
Do you enjoy new year’s resolutions? I am a planner and love listing out goals and intentions at the start of the year.
But I’ve learned one very important thing over the past couple years:
Make it your #1 goal to be rooted in Christ. Resolve to be rooted.
When we make that our top goal, the desires of our heart are realigned with the heart of God. We begin to live and pray according to His will when our hearts align with His. Our goals now spring up and flow from a place of godliness, humility, and grace.
Our goal becomes this: Lord, make me God-focused rather than self-focused.
I used to set overly burdensome goals for myself. By the end of January, I’d feel disappointed and defeated. I often felt like a failure. Anyone relate?! However, as I’ve rooted my identity in Christ, I’ve grown to love process over performance. He who began a good work will finish it until the day of completion (Philippians 1:6).
I’ve developed a hunger for Spirit-led transformation rather than striving for self-improvement. Jesus tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing!!! (John 15:5). I’ve abandoned perfectionism in exchange for the perfect work of Christ! He makes me whole! I am a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:7). It is He who continues to do a new thing. It is not by works but by His GRACE that I am saved and accepted (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If January hasn’t quite met your expectations….
If performance is your posture and you’re weary…
If you use goal-setting as a way to feel worthy…
Can I encourage you?
REST!
Rest in His Spirit and embrace FREEDOM - II Corinthians 3:17
Rest in His renewal of your mind - Ephesians 4:23
Rest in His strength which is made perfect in our weakness - II Corinthians 12:9-10
Rest in His death and resurrection which gives us access to NEW LIFE, not merely a DIY self-improved life! - Galatians 2:20
And once you’ve rested, RESOLVE!
Declare…
I am a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:7) - not because of anything I’ve done but because of HIS finished work on the cross. ALL things are new - not just at the start of January. I can experience new life every time I enter His presence, any day of the year.
I am being renewed day by day (II Corinthians 4:16) - God molds us, remakes us, and restores us continually! He is merciful and kind. He is Author and Finisher. He is Alpha and Omega - time is in His hands! There’s no timeline to this. It is a walk of faith (not a sprint). Thank you, Lord, that you continue to transform us into your image until we are made perfect in your presence in heaven.
I am rooted (Colossians 2:6-7) and hidden (Colossians 3:3) in Christ. I belong to Him (I Peter 2:9). He loves me (John 3:16). He loves YOU! Believe it as an act of obedience!
Resolve to be resolute about Christ and the identity you have in Him, rooted in His love, mercy, salvation, and purpose! Let’s walk this out together as sisters and brothers in Christ.
I love you and Jesus loves you! WALK in the identity Christ died to give you and resolve to be rooted.
XOXO Elise