Resolutions: The Art of Exercising Self-Control

We can make our plans,
    but the Lord determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Resolutions, especially New Year resolutions are extremely popular, and have been for many years. People resolve to do things like lose weight or get organized or even get financially secure, my personal resolution this year. Like many things that are popular though, we need to make sure it's good for us. Should we really be making a new resolution just because it's a new year? Is a New Year resolution always a good thing for us?  Will I even stick with it for the entire year? These are questions we need to ask ourselves when deciding to make a New Year resolution.

 

Instead, let us test and examine our ways.
    Let us turn back to the Lord.

Lamentations 3:40 NLT

New Year resolutions are not necessarily a good or a bad thing. They also aren't a requirement for the new year, no matter what anyone tells you! Thank the Lord, because there have many years where I either didn't make one or I failed miserably at the one I made. Just because it's common place to make a New Year's resolution doesn't mean you have to. However, I believe resolutions in general are healthy things to make. Making a resolution at the beginning of a new year isn't always the best idea though. If you make a resolution at the beginning of the year though, make sure you make it as your own personal decision. Don't make a resolution at the beginning of a new year just because everyone else is, if you do I guarantee you will fail. Resolutions are only seen all the way through if they are made as well thought out decisions with a game plan. Even then, it's not guaranteed that your resolution will be realized. Just like Proverbs 16:9 says, we make our plans but God determines the steps. This means that if our resolutions don't line up with what The Lord wants for us, we can kiss those plans goodbye!

 

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

If our resolutions are good, pure, and biblically based, then I believe God will guide us in seeing our resolutions through. As Christian's any resolution we make should be based in biblical truth, as any other decision we make should be. As Christians we are given the self-control we need to live God Honoring lives. Sometimes we fail to use the self-control we've been given, but nonetheless, we have it. I'm a prime example of this.The most under used tool in my tool belt the Lord has given me is self-control. I am weak in exercising it, especially where finances are concerned. Hence why my resolution this year is to get financially secure. Finances are a huge part of marriage and with my new engagement and upcoming wedding, I need to get mine in order! To complete any resolution you must exercise self-control. So in reality any resolution you make comes with a resolution to pursue self-control.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phillipians 4:13 ESV

Resolutions are hard. If they weren't we wouldn't have to resolve to do them. Whatever your resolution may be remember the One who gives you the strength to strive for it. Without God we would fail in meeting any resolution, let alone be able to succeed at anything worthy in life. So when you choose to make a resolution for this year, or in general, remember to pray for guidance and most of all, self-control.

 

Did you make a resolution for the new year, or recently? What was it? I'd love to know! Comment below so I can help encourage you on your journey!

Also check out my previous post on patience here, another fruit of the spirit that is incredibly important in seeing success in your life!

With Love,

Desiree♥️