January can be the most intimidating time of the year. It’s a time of starting, which can be scary: New habits, new resolutions and new goals stir in us a passion for more and better — as well as a fear that we may fail and not measure up.
Resolutions are a beautiful thing when made for the right reasons. Most of the resolutions I make aren’t kept for more than a few weeks. However, resolutions that are made for the Lord and rooted in His Word not only change my own life, but the lives of those around me.
This year, instead of making a list of resolutions that revolve around yourself and the temporary situations of your life, resolve to be in the Word of God every single day and to hide truth in my heart. It is the one thing I know that will mold and shape your life to be more like Christ.
Have you ever been so hungry that you just snacked on a bunch of sweets? Usually after eating them, you feel sick and not fulfilled, not like when you eat a nice meal. I like to compare these sugary snacks to the things of this world. Time after time, they promise to satisfy your hunger, but instead they leave you feeling sick and unsatisfied.
The Word of God is unlike any other book ever written. Each word is divinely inspired and breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12). It has stood against every test and its promises hold true in every storm and trial of life. The psalmist challenges us in Psalm 34:8 to pick up our spiritual fork and knife to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” When we fill our spiritual bellies with truth, the result is that our eyes will be opened and we will see the Lord’s goodness in all things and at all times.
Jesus explained to the disciples in Luke 6:21 that it is good to be spiritually hungry. “Blessed are you who are hungry now,” He said, “for you shall be satisfied.” The meaning of the word “blessed” reflects happiness, which doesn’t come from achieving worldly success. The ache in your heart for more will only be satisfied by knowing Jesus through the Word.
What if in 2016 we resolved to be spiritually hungry? What if we picked up our Bibles, journals and pens, and ate the truth of the Word that never fails and answers our deepest needs?
There are so many resolutions you could make in this life, but the one that will last forever is to know Christ and to make Him known. Trust the Lord to show you His incredible ways and to place His truth in your heart (Psalm 51:6). (BP)
Jessica Pigg