resolutions?

In 30 or so hours (here in South Central Texas), it will be the year 2011. One of the most popular things associated with the start of the Gregorian New Year is the idea of making resolutions....

However, I have a problem with resolutions. If you break the word down, you'll understand what I mean....
"re"-again
"solutions"-the act of solving a problem, question, etc....
So resolution means..the act of solving a problem, question, etc...again.

See what I mean...you are trying to solve the same problem that you had the year before (and probably failed to do), with the same solution (which will either fail you or you will not do after a certain point)in your wisdom and strength. There is a funny definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In a sense resolutions are an expression of insanity disguised as trying to make ourselves better.

So then if not resolutions, then what should I do for the New Year, you say? Well first of all, you have to admit that in your own strength, you cannot do that much....that you need a power greater than yourself in order to do something. That is why we as believer should turn to God to be able to make sure that our plans meet with his approval. Psalms 37:4-5 gives us an word of advice from the Lord which is always good for us to remember:
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.

So if you don't want to have a year of failure, let's start by giving our year over to God and let him direct us!