How to Keep Your Resolve
How to keep your resolve this year! If your like most you begin the new year with great anticipation and a set of new years resolutions. Goals you intend to achieve. Hopefully you’ve included growing spiritually as part of your new years resolutions – being better about prayer, Bible reading, going to Church, etc. However, if you’re like most after a few weeks of enthusiastic resolve things slowly return to the old habits and eventually you give up.
So, the big question going into this new year is HOW TO KEEP OUR RESOLVE of growing in our walk with Christ? First there’s is no easy answer or some magical pill that can replace simply staying committed to what’s important. It takes persistence each and every day with the help of God’s grace. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” There is no question it takes self discipline to stay with it. However, there are some additional steps we can take that can help us stay the course throughout the year and see the fruit of our effort.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR RESOLVE – 4 KEYS
First – pick your resolutions carefully – be realistic. If you haven’t been reading your Bible or praying regularly don’t start out saying you will read and pray for 1 hour each day. Start with 5 minutes or even 1 minute each day so you can stay with it. (Watch my short video that teaches you “How to Set Faith Goals” CLICK HERE)
Second – write out a plan. Take the time to write out what you are going to do. How, what, when, where, etc. For example – “I am going to read my Bible every day in the break room during lunch for 5 minutes.” Pick places, times, and ways that will work for your schedule, your life style, and where you’re at in your life. It is very important to have a written plan that you can follow.
Third – share your goals with someone – a friend or spouse that can help encourage you and hold you accountable. If you know someone is going to ask you if you had your prayer time or if you went to church or whatever your plan is you will be more likely to do it.
Fourth – Don’t use guilt or shame to motivate yourself.No one is perfect. I don’t always hit the mark, I miss my goals from time to time. Instead of getting discouraged and down on myself, I refocus and pick it up the next day. The important thing is to keep moving forward and not giving up.
This is how to keep your resolve. With a focused plan and strategy. Use these 4 keys on how to keep your resolve and look to the Lord of His help. You can do it! Having a greater relationship with Christ is important and worth the investment. Stay committed and use theses four keys to unlock the power of God’s help within you. Don’t get discouraged if you fail start fresh the next day. This is the year you learn HOW TO KEEP YOUR RESOLVE!