I Resolve to Forget and Move Forward!

Resolution

On a day like today, one immediately defaults to the definition of this word as 'a formal expression of an intent...'.  And being one who enjoys order and planning, I am inclined to go to this definition myself, on a day like today; the first day of a new decade. 

But what formal expression should I make? 

As I started my list, instead of being exhilarated, I felt deflated.

1. Read through the entire bible... didn't I resolve to do that last year?  What happened?  Oh ya, I traveled for 4 weeks straight and got off track, so I gave up.  Who am I kidding thinking I can do it this year?
2. Lose weight... ugh, I started that one this past summer and gained 10 of it back in the last 2 months.  Who am I kidding, I've been overweight for over 20 years, what's going to change this year?
3. Do better with budgeting... hmmmm, I know I resolved to do this in 2009, but how could I have seen the 50% pay cut coming along with all the financial crisis we experienced.  The pay isn't increasing in 2010 as far as I can tell and I'm sure we have a lot more financial surprises coming our way.  What's the point?!  

Time out.  Let's go back to the full definition of 'Resolution'.  If you complete the sentence it goes on to say "a formal expression of an intent voted by an official body'.  My first mistake was sitting at the table by myself to make my list of resolutions.  I need to take this to an 'official body'!

So as I sat at the table with God today, asking Him to give me a 'resolution' that fits in His will for my life, I came upon this scripture:

Philippians 3: 13b-14 ~ Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The Ryrie Study Guide had this to say about "forgetting what is behind" ~ Whether sins that might overwhelm or good things that might cause one to rest on his accomplishments. 

The Zondervan Study Bible says this about the same verse ~ Not losing all memory of his sinful past, but leaving it behind hin as done with and settled. 

Thank you Lord.  Thank you for reminding me that 1) I am not to be shackled by the failures of my past because you have given me a spirit of power and sound mind!  and 2) that any accomplishment I have achieved is by Your power and grace. 

Now I am exhilarated! I have let go of what is behind and I am looking toward what is ahead. I am reminded that my life here is to be lived out for His glory and the 'prize' of His unfailing love is mine. 

1. Choose Jesus First
2. To bring each day's requests to God and wait with great expecation to see His will be done
3. Look each day for ways to reflect God's grace, love and glory. 

And while I'm at it, I'll work on the discipline of daily bible reading, eating healthier and being a better steward! 

As you contemplate your resolutuion list,

I'd like to leave you with this:

Another definition of 'resolution' says "the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance".  As a singer, this definition spoke to my soul.  A dissonant chord is one that leaves you feeling like the song is unfinished.  When the music moves from the dissonant chord to the consonant chord, there is a sense of completion.  It feels like the conflict is resolved!  A list of 'things I am going to do better this year' feels like that dissonant chord.  A list such as this rings with conflict of things not done right in the past, and we are 'working' to make it better.  Again, our featured verse today reminds us that we are not to focus on fixing the conflict of our past, but to remember that this was resolved the moment we accepted the gift of salvation!  So, move from the dissonant to the consonant this year!  Make a list in harmony with God's will and His desire for each of us to draw closer to Him! 

I'd love to hear your thoughts of 'resolution' today!  Just click on the comment link below and let us hear from  you.  Maybe you have a verse that God has shared with you for 2010?  Encourage us with His word!