I know that all of you guys out there realize that within the first few days into January (the new year), almost everybody is either thinking about or pronouncing ideas for new year’s resolutions.  And many of them are sealed with a prayer.  That’s where God comes in.  He empowers the Holy Spirit to put on their listening ears and take notes.  Why?  Because God wants a record of all those persons who strive throughout the year to perform their vows and commitments as well as those who do not. In other words, God is going to get a lot of phone calls…some legit…some not!

Of course, most the callers will have to leave a message because God’s secretaries do not answer calls when they do not recognize the phone numbers.  (You know how it is…Like when you get calls from solicitors (especially from On High) and you neither recognize them nor respond.  So, it’s like tit for tat.  You have no other choice but to leave a message for Jesus, which goes like this:

Aaah, hello…anybody there?  This is Bubbah…You remember me from last year, don’t You?  I called You, but I didn’t hear back from You.  And subsequently, I guess I really didn’t need You after all, because I failed to carry out what I intended to do.  Well, for this new year 2022, I have decided to try again, and I do really, really need Your help.  I’m miserable.  During this past year I have overspent my bank account, especially in December, overeaten, gained weight, ignored my spouse, failed in most of my employment assignments, told a few lies, drank a little too much alcohol, and missed a few little league soccer games that my son was participating in. (We won’t talk about my lack of church attendance.)  I admit I’ve been a little negligent in my duties as a parent.  Honestly, I need Your help big time in controlling my desires in the area of physical indulgences, as well as self-improvement indulgences.  Can You help me?  I realize now that I can’t do it alone.  Making New Year’s resolutions suck. (Excuse me, caller, you have exhausted your recording time.) I look forward to Your return call, Sir.  (This is where the rubber meets the road.  Do I leave my real name or a fake one?  I guess I have to leave my real telephone number.) Good bye.

In my research, I discovered that New Year’s Resolutions were more religious or spiritual in nature back in the 1900s.  During that phase of history, the emphasis on most requests was for developing a stronger and more moral character, as well as a stronger work ethic, and more restraint in the face of earthly pleasures.  Times have changed basically due to advanced technology. But most medical sociologists do agree that today’s New Year’s resolution statements reflect a person’s life status, financial wealth, and life responsibilities along with their self-discipline restrictions.

But here is something you should remember:  Self-motivation will not in and of itself sustain you.  There is something in your brain called dopamine, which secrets a very powerful “neuro-hormone” that won’t allow you to succeed on your own.  Why, because they are short lived.  You actually do need the power of the Holy Spirit or a dedicated confidant that will stand with you throughout your ordeal.

A little history…

New year resolutions started back in 2000 B.C. when the Babylonian inhabitants in Europe made vows to return any farm equipment they had borrowed from their neighbor during the year.  The actual name for the month, January, was decided upon in 46 B.C. when the Julian calendar was initiated.   It was named after the two-faced Roman god, Janus.  He had a reputation of looking forward for new beginnings while at the same time looking backwards to see how he could correct his actions for a better and more prosperous year in the coming months.

So the moral of the story is whether you resolve to return borrowed equipment to your neighbor or to stop telling lies and procrastinating, we still find ourselves tapping into ancient and very powerful desires that requires the helping hand of the Holy Spirit. (God’s busiest time of the year.) If you really want a fresh new start, try Him.

My Prayer for the Coming Year…

“Dear All Powerful and Everlasting Father: It is so wonderful that You have promised to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us. You have also promised, Holy Father, to hold us tightly in Your right hand and to save us from all hurt, harm and danger. Therefore, we come humbly and on bended knees to the throne of grace to lay claim on all those promises in the Precious Name of Your Son, Christ Jesus, Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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