Sister Rosie Newson Harless
This is the time of the year when many people reflect on how they have lived their lives over the past year. Some have experienced triumphs and failures, others wonder about what I could have, or should have done, if only I had known. Some others lost their job, got divorced, or lost loved ones. At the end of the day, there are some people who are thankful for whatever the year brought, but an enormous amount of people have many regrets. As a result, New Year’s resolutions are created so that things will be better. I remind myself that whatever has transpired throughout the year, whether good or bad, that God knows the plans for my life (and He knows the plans for you). As stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Do you have anything that you feel unresolved about? Well, if you do, now is the best time to resolve it. How? By giving it to God. Take all your problems, concerns, and worries to the only one who can resolve them! As written in 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV), “casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” One might ask, how do I do that? How do I let go of the stress and all the problems? Simply by praying to Him. It does not take a big production or fanfare. Just stop whatever you are doing and speak to Him in your own simple way and tell Him what is on your heart. God is easy to talk to and He will keep every one of your secrets. Truth be told, He already knows them, but will not reach out until you are ready. You do not have to tell anyone about it. Jusr spend some intimate time with the one who will listen and help you through whatever you are experiencing. God hears our every prayer. Psalm 66:19 (KJV) indicates, “But verily God hath heard me: he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” Mother Teresa said, “Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” If you believe and trust in Him, take a step towards Him. You will surely feel a heavy weight lift off your shoulders and be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
I resolve to be resolved! I am not going to cry over spilled milk, but I am going to mop it up and get another glass. Every challenge that comes my way is God’s way of teaching me a lesson. I am not going to tackle it alone because I know that God will see me through. I am going to work my way through with His guidance. And whatever the outcome, I know that what God has for me, it is for me. If I am rewarded for my efforts, then it is my time for a reward. However, if there is no reward, it is ok, because it is not my time! Remember, Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”