With God’s Help

Reflection 

The calendar, fireworks, and ball dropping have signified that another year has begun. Setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions tend to follow. While I might be tempted to scoff and say with cynicism, it is just a day later. No real change happens simply because we have celebrated a new year or set some aspirational aims. On the other hand, I might be tempted to identify key areas of growth, set goals for myself at home and at work. I might get energized by the thought of pursuing something new or finally accomplishing something I have delayed or thought was unattainable. 

Honest reflection reveals that I can represent both the enthusiastic, energizer approach and the defeated, cynical version. On my own volition, I can be successful or experience failure. The problem stems from “my own volition.” What if our aims and pursuits were not from our imaginations? What if we sought the Lord for direction, correction, and wisdom in what to prioritize? What if our plans had potential because we asked for His help and guidance?

Let God Lead

Application

In John 14:26, Jesus tells his disciples,

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” 

This promise lets us know that we don’t have to strive in our own strength to do as God directs. The Holy Spirit will guide, convict, and lead. We just have to be willing to ask for His help and willing to listen. And these two verses help us see that with God’s help, he will establish our vision and our path forward.

Psalm 32: 8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” I love this bold statement that brings comfort and clarity, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way.” (Psalm 37:23) 

As a part of a certain denomination, we would respond as a congregation to a baptism or someone joining the church with these initial words: “With God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ…” Not on our own. Not in our way. But with God’s help and patterning our lives after the example of Christ. This is a recipe for success in the New Year!

Closing/conclusion

Whether you tend to be more cynical or more eager when the calendar hits January 1, I encourage you to consider what the Lord asks of you and to consider how He is directing your path. Perhaps our resolve this New Year is simply to take everything to God, seek his leading, and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide and help. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us and encourages us with this:

“Fear not for I am with you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  

May we rely on God’s help, knowing He desires His best for our lives.

Maryellen