It is early 2020 and many of us have made resolutions and promises that we have already broken. I liked the article that came off the internet that was called “Resolutions You Can Keep.” 1. Gain weight- at least 30 pounds 2. Stop exercising- waste of time 3. Read less- makes you think 4. Watch more tv 5. Procrastinate more- starting tomorrow 6. Get more toys 7. Get further in debt. We know we can keep those kinds of resolutions.
What is God calling you to do in 2020? What kind of commitment are you going to make to God and God’s church in 2020? It is easy to sit back and complain. It is harder to get involved in the exciting work of doing God’s will in the world today.
I believe God is calling us to a time of discipline and commitment. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you keep on doing what you are doing, you will keep on getting what you are getting. If you want to change what you are getting, you need to change what you are doing.”
In 2020 we need to change our lives so that we can begin to do what God wants us to do and not what we want to do.
There are so many problems in our world today. There is war and terrorism. There are natural disasters that have affected millions of people. Financial insecurity is a problem facing many of middle-class America. Many people feel rejected and betrayed by the church. We fear the many diseases that affect people all around us
As we look forward to 2020 with all its promises and pain, I pray we include God in our daily walk. Here are 4 steps we can take to overcome our fears about life.
Step 1. Admit your weakness and your need for God.
Step 2. Make your first priority a relationship with God. When God is number one in our lives, then we can face life unafraid.
Step 3. Develop your relationship through daily prayer. Like any relationship, the key to a deep and abiding friendship is to spend time together. Remember, don’t do all the talking; be a good listener too.
Step 4. Learn what God wants you to do and receive daily doses of comfort and inspiration by reading the Bible. The Bible is the best source for learning the mind and heart of God for your life.
American essayist, naturalist, and poet, Henry David Thoreau, died of tuberculosis at age 44. On his deathbed a concerned aunt asked, “Are you at peace with God?” “Well,” replied Thoreau, “I wasn’t aware we had quarreled.” There’s no good reason to quarrel with God. Thanks to his gracious love revealed in Jesus Christ we can face 2020.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. David Busker is the retired pastor of Monroe United Methodist Church.
