“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,…”  1 Chronicles 16:11-12

It’s the second day of January of 2017. I am watching the snow fall ever so gently and am trying to muster up the resolve to go for a walk. The cold air and exercise might clear out inertia clinging like cobwebs to my mind and body. I know what I should do. However, like the old standard song says, “Baby it’s cold outside” and the fireplace is ever so enticingly warm.

Two days into the new year and many of our well intended resolutions are already broken. Late December after a season of holiday overindulgence, we resolve to eat better, exercise our bodies regularly, spend less money next year, be kinder, gentler and generally grow up. The intentions are honorable but the follow through is…. Well, the intentions are honorable. I know myself too well to promise what I can’t possibly keep. I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions any more. I’m only  human.

Yesterday at church my husband talked about an incident which happened to him years ago. In his testimony he described how God spoke to his heart on a New Year’s Eve. Rather than making resolutions about tough choices he cannot keep, he asks the question, “What would Jesus do?” in any given situation. WWJD. That question is such a common place for many Christians it’s tempting to  be dismissive.  For Dan it was a mandate  from the Spirit.

Pastor confirmed Dan’s revelation and followed up with a Word for this year. It is quite simple. No new vision for our church. No tweaked  mission statement. No expansive ministry changes. Instead, he said our corporate and individual call for 2017 is to focus on Jesus. Focus on the only One who can change us, improve our circumstances and offer hope to this broken world. Keep our eyes on the Savior who showed the world the greatest love ever known. Kneel before the crucified King and repent. Look to the Lord with humility. Remember what He has done. Praise Him for   every blessing. Pray out of  gratitude. Focus on Jesus the Author and the completer of our faith. Resolutions are not the solution. Jesus is.

There are no new resolutions.   Look not for, but to Jesus instead. That is the most extraordinary, promising  and hopeful beginning to any new year.