“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

 New Year’s Resolutions

 I felt a little frustrated as I didn’t get to spend time alone with the Lord on New Year’s Day. It is my personal tradition to read my journals and go through the past year’s calendar to record all the blessings the Lord has done—to pause at the start of the new year beginning and to spend time being purposely thankful. Then I like to make some kind of resolution of what I hope to see happen in my own life personally in the new year. My plans changed this holiday season with delayed family visits and a death in the family.

I kept thinking I would get time to go back and do my tradition, but the days kept going quickly and before I knew it I forgot all about it. But God didn’t forget. This week during my Bible study, I read a familiar passage from Luke 4:16-22.  The Lord showed me that it is not too late to “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19). I can proclaim this great promise over my relationship with Him, with my marriage, with my children and grandchildren, with my family and friends, with my possessions, with my work, and in sharing the love of Jesus with those I encounter each day. I can proclaim it for my own personal hopes and plans for this new year, aligning them up with God’s plans and His perfect will and timing for all things.

“Thank You, Lord, for giving me a resolution for 2018—to proclaim 2018 as the year of the Lord’s favor! To live my life by Your example each and every day. To think on things that are lovely, true and pure. To build up others, not tear them down with my words or actions. To choose to love others with Your perfect love, even when it’s difficult. To not be persuaded by the waves of unrest in our country, listening and believing everything in the news or social media, but instead to look to the good news—the news of the gospel that changes lives, restores brokenness, and encourages us when the times get dark and the days are tough. To keep Your promises in my heart and to be thankful each day for the blessings You give us abundantly. And to be praying without ceasing, with thanksgiving, as we wait for You!

“Thank You, Lord, for this year of 2018! What a joyous and exciting time we live in…each day is one day closer to Your return. Amen!”

May the God of all hope and peace bless 2018 and bring us all to be more faithful and true as we serve you Lord Jesus.