Good Decisions for 2018
Happy New Year! It hurts my head a little bit to say that – how could 2017 already be gone? It was definitely an interesting year in our household. We hit a lot of milestones. Kevin’s business celebrated its 3rd anniversary. We celebrated the one-year mark with our first foster placement. I switched jobs in the summer. And released a Bible study that involved recording a podcast with it. We painted most of the interior of our house. And even purchased our first vehicle together as a married couple.
It was also a year where many of our close friends had tremendous losses. Even we had to make the hardest decision that we’ve ever faced as a married couple. We’ve been married six years and we’ve never before faced such bleak days.
But the Lord has been faithful to restore His mercy to us every day. He has been faithful to Himself and sustained us through the tough times and allowed us to rejoice over the many, many good times.
As we start 2018, I know a lot of people are making resolutions, goals, and wish lists. I started this morning by reading Psalm 1. And it reminded me of a good piece of advise to remember at all times of the year – but especially here at the beginning of January as so many of us are feeling this “fresh start.”
Psalm 1:1-3 (bold mine)
1 How happy is the one who does not
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers!
2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams[a]
that bears its fruit in its season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
As we look ahead to this new year, let’s evaluate where we have been walking, standing, and sitting. Whose company have we been in? Who has most influenced us? And where do we find our delight?
This time next year, will your delight be found in that job promotion you received? The good grades you accomplished? The game system you bought? If so, you need to reevaluate your priorities and your relationship with God. Our delight is found in Him and Him alone.
Our number one resolution should be to delight in the Lord’s instruction each and every day. Verse two tells us to meditate on it day and night. I usually divide this into three aspects in my life: Scripture reading, Scripture memorization, and prayer. For 2017, I focused heavily on Scripture reading and used an app to keep me on track as I read through the Bible last year.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? I’d love to hear how you plan to grow a closer relationship with God this year. I’d love to hear your ideas of how to do this daily – you can leave a comment here or reach me at Facebook or Twitter.
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