Resolutions

 A new year has rolled in and it's been a while since I let out a post (over 5 months to be precise). Problem after problem is the agenda for the day worldwide, however, we are still alive. Or at the very least you've been alive long enough for me to post another blog post.

With a new year finally here we tend to reflect on what we did in the previous year that we could enhance or correct in the new one. People come up with different ways to do this such as the use of new year resolutions and as good as all of that appears to be I can't help but wonder what everyone could do different that they did not really do enough of in 2020.

To shed some light I have a few things in mind as to what to do different in 2021 :

1. Trust God ~ Regardless what anyone says, we are only here by the grace of God. At the rate of which the world has been falling apart it is a miracle that we live to testify the goodness of the Lord. Of course when we're older we might exaggerate the situation to our children but that should not belittle the intensity of the situation in the world right now. The word of God constantly tells us to "fear not" because God has a plan especially when we look to God first and foremost. 

Matthew 6 vs 33 ~ But seek ye first the kingdom of God 

2. Be at peace ~ We underestimate the power stress can have over our lives. High blood pressure is a thing people, it's 2021 for crying out loud! In retrospect, placing an exclamation mark there was not very peaceful, either way I got the point across. When you are restless multiple things just go wrong for you, almost as if you expect bad things to happen. 

Psalm 37 vs 7 ~ Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

3. Expect good things ~ Contrary to popular opinion, not expecting anything makes it all the more harder for good things to happen. I understand pop culture has made some people think that if you have no expectations then you can not be disappointed, which I would beg to differ. Once you decide to not expect anything whether god or bad then you may as well declare a stalemate meaning no progress. Expecting good things keeps you hopeful because it reminds you that nothing lasts forever and no situation is permanent no matter how good or bad. Keeping up the faith proves to be crucial at such a time, therefore I encourage you to expect blessings, miracles and unexpected situations in your life.

Proverbs 10 vs 28 ~ The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish

4. Be happy ~ Going through everyday mourning the loss of one thing or the other only brings us closer to our graves (grim but true). Taking some time to feel our emotions is necessary but when that emotion is pulling you apart from those that matter to you and vice versa then it is an emotion you need to control with care. Your happiness is important as well as your relationships with others. In the new world we seem to live in our relationships have become all the more important to cherish. Thus, you have to keep in mind that you are allowed to feel a lot of other emotions but if happiness is not one of them then you need to take a minute and look to God and your loved ones for a healthy does of it.

Romans 15 vs 13 ~ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

5. Pray and praise ~ Above all and to save the best for last, prayer and praise and worship. What do I mean by this? Well I simply mean you must pray to God everyday and praise him. Absolute devotion to God requires the ability to follow his will blindly, meaning that even when something terrible happens we still trust that God has a bigger and better plan for us. It is all a cycle that looks back to trusting God. 

Jeremiah 29 vs 11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Once again I write here to let you know what I know is true. Why does this matter to me? Well because it matters to God and that's all that really counts. Someone out there will, by the grace of God, put these suggestions to use. Again, you have the links to contact me, feel free to ask any questions at any time. 

I pray that you all go through this new year with hope and peace. The world is going through a lot of changes and lots of lives are being altered and truly I say to you that you should really consider putting all your eggs in God's basket.