“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” Deuteronomy 10:14

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution? It probably goes something like this: “This is the year I will accomplish…”Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, setting goals for ourselves and our loved ones. While planning for the future is healthy, ultimately, we are not in direct control. As Deuteronomy 10:14 reminds us, everything belongs to the Lord. “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” 

We often suffer grave consequences, much heartache, and disappointments when we resolve to forge ahead with our own thoughts and plans. This happens because we have not consulted God about His will in our lives or the lives of our loved ones. Only God knows the future. 

Consider the lesson learned in Jesus’ parable of a certain rich man, whose fields brought in an excellent yield… “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:18-20. He counted God out, the Giver of life. As the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7.

Our first resolve should be to seek a closer walk with the Lord. Seeking Him teaches us to reverence and honor Him, and to give Him the glory in and through all things. We learn to listen more to the Spirit and to consult Him for His direction and wisdom in every decision we make. 

The word of the Lord in James 4:15 states: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” 

We should always say and think, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, I will do this or that.’ In this way, we acknowledge God’s control over our lives, as Psalm 37:23 says: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.’

Finally, my friends, let us trust the unknown future to the Mighty hands of God, resolving to trust as He faithfully directs our paths in righteousness, and when we delight in Him, the Word teaches us that He will even give us the desires of our hearts! “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. God help us all to let go and let Him lead the way!” Psalm 34:7.

May God’s blessings, peace, and joy be with us all.