Advent - Day 30
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Psalm 103:13-18
It’s been very cliche to talk about New Year's resolutions over the past decade or so. But as things do, what was new quickly becomes old and so it’s become cliche to not do resolutions. So, we are bringing them back!
The New Year is an obvious circuit-breaker. A time to reflect and reconsider our habits and priorities. A time to attempt to change behaviours and patterns. And Psalm 103 has something to say in all this.
Firstly, the Psalmist reminds us that we are dust. Our lives are like grass that’s green one day and gone the next, never to be remembered. This brings humility to our NY resolutions. Will the world be changed if you read five books this year instead of four? Or if you eat less takeaway? Will you be changed? Maybe. But probably not much. Let’s keep perspective on NY resolutions.
On the other hand, the Psalmist reminds us that God’s love is with those who keep His covenant and obey His precepts. In New Testament language, we might say, God’s love is with those who keep trusting in Jesus and following Him faithfully.
What we do with our lives does matter. What we do with our time and focus matters. Your NY resolution to read your Bible more is crucial to you standing firm and to following Jesus faithfully.
So if you do make New Year's resolutions. Make them ones that draw you closer to God and make you a more faithful follower of Jesus.
For Today - a few habits to consider:
Pray:
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Psalm 103:13-18
It’s been very cliche to talk about New Year's resolutions over the past decade or so. But as things do, what was new quickly becomes old and so it’s become cliche to not do resolutions. So, we are bringing them back!
The New Year is an obvious circuit-breaker. A time to reflect and reconsider our habits and priorities. A time to attempt to change behaviours and patterns. And Psalm 103 has something to say in all this.
Firstly, the Psalmist reminds us that we are dust. Our lives are like grass that’s green one day and gone the next, never to be remembered. This brings humility to our NY resolutions. Will the world be changed if you read five books this year instead of four? Or if you eat less takeaway? Will you be changed? Maybe. But probably not much. Let’s keep perspective on NY resolutions.
On the other hand, the Psalmist reminds us that God’s love is with those who keep His covenant and obey His precepts. In New Testament language, we might say, God’s love is with those who keep trusting in Jesus and following Him faithfully.
What we do with our lives does matter. What we do with our time and focus matters. Your NY resolution to read your Bible more is crucial to you standing firm and to following Jesus faithfully.
So if you do make New Year's resolutions. Make them ones that draw you closer to God and make you a more faithful follower of Jesus.
For Today - a few habits to consider:
- What do you want your Bible Reading/Prayer to look like in 2023
- Set a goal to read # of helpful Christian books
- What is one thing you want to change from 2022-23?
- Reflect on your giving/generosity.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that His ways are good and worth following.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ who gives us life beyond this life.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others follow Jesus faithfully.
Posted in Advent
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