I’m beginning the start of this blog post from the treadmill; yes, the treadmill. My typing and walking have gotten better over the years, gratefully.
For a varying of reasons, the gym has become a regular part of my life the past few years. I’ve made it part of my daily routine. See, I’m not a fan of New Year resolutions. On its own, life is full of enough ups-and-downs. No need to expect changes in life simply because “everyone else is doing it.” We can all remember middle and high school…peer pressure seldom led to anything positive.
As we’ve all entered into this new year, may we continue to grab hold to those things that already brought us health, happiness, and joy (happiness and joy are not the same). After all, it’s these things that propel us onward. Yet, are there things we can work on spiritually, emotionally, and/or physically? You betcha! The challenges we had yesterday are still most likely with us today. Many times the only way of overcoming them is not by quick fixes (resolutions we easily stop just days in), but in small and purposed steps.
This was Hannah’s prayer, her acknowledgement of God’s blessing, we find in Scripture:
“How I rejoice in the Lord! How he has blessed me! Now I have an answer for my enemies, For the Lord has solved my problem. How I rejoice! No one is as holy as the Lord! There is no other God, Nor any Rock like our God.”
—1 Samuel 2 TLB
Whatever you might be facing, whatever things you hope to begin or end this year, put your faith in God, your Rock, to guide you each step of the way. Believe me, I’m also preaching to the choir, as they say.
So, as we walk together into this new year, may we all count our blessings one by one and look this year in the face with strong faith and firm perseverance. If it really matters and/or is a big idea, take it slow, but with purpose. And at the end of day, if your faith is in God, remember…He has you in the palm of His hand.
So, now as you go out there to both face and tackle 2019, receive this blessing:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
—Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Luke Gambill 