It’s that time of year when we all start taking inventory of our lives. We consciously think about how we can improve ourselves, our life in general, and the lives of our family. We call it making New Year’s resolutions. Over the weekend, I was thinking about these things myself, in regards to my own personal life. Of course, there are things I want to improve. I made a list full of the “usual’s” – new fitness goals, new spiritual goals, new financial goals, new plans for my little one, etc. And, of course, the number one New Year’s resolution of all – Follow through on the resolutions!
I’m sure all of you are familiar with this; you have probably done it yourself. During this process, I was reminded of what the Bible says in II Corinthians 5:17 (Message), “Now we look inside and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!” In Christ, we become new ONCE! It is not an annual thing. Once you have accepted Him into your life, once you have recognized and accepted His Amazing Grace, you are new. You are a living reflection of Him. He is in you, and you are in Him.
Unfortunately, most people live their whole life insecure in who they are in Christ. They allow their weaknesses, past mistakes, lacks and failures to hold them in bondage. This is simply a way the devil keeps us from fully experiencing the abundant life. Once you have accepted Jesus, you have been given your New Life. There is nothing you have to do to earn it. You don’t need a resolution! You don’t gain access to it bit by bit. You have it. You are fully renewed in Christ. You are designed in His image. That is, without a doubt, the way He sees you! But, you must accept it and believe it.
I know this can be hard for some to do. The devil may be beating you up. Maybe, you aren’t quite able to take a stand against him completely. Maybe, you don’t know how to get strong enough. Maybe the negativity in your mind overshadows what you know the Bible says. The solution is really quite simple. Fill your mind with the Word of God. Confess it all day, every day! Whatever you feel insecure about, find a Scripture that says the opposite and confess it. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” The more you say it to yourself; the more you will believe it.
So, once and for all, make this your New Year’s resolution – SEE YOURSELF THE WAY YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER SEES YOU! See it and believe it!
Happy New Year! XOXO
Shannon
