Our times are in his hands

Do you have a New Year’s resolution that you vow to keep? There are some who want to become a better person in the New Year. They’re committed to turning over a new leaf and start anew. This is an admirable goal to achieve. Is it doable? Sure, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is often weak. Are true grit and strength alone enough? How many times have these pledges dissolved by the first snowfall?

Before we were born again into the Lord’s family—sinners as we all are—we didn’t only turn over a new leaf—but a new heart. We can’t use the stuff of flesh to make better flesh; we need the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work. It’s not about us becoming a better person; it’s about becoming more like the Savior of the world. We can do “all things through Christ” who strengthens us by his spirit.

May this New Year be our opportunity to yield to God not just some but all of our heart’s goals, hopes, and dreams, so he may mold us into the image of his son. When we “delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart.” That is…because they will be His desires, too, and, ultimately, what is best for us.