The problem with most New Year’s resolutions is we take on something way too ambitious.
We mean well and maybe start with enthusiasm but then we fail some, get busy and forget, become discouraged and give it all up as a bad job.
The trick is to pick something simple, modest and do-able and fit it into your regular routine so it becomes your habit, part of your daily life rhythm.
A couple of years ago I committed to naming my family in a short prayer every morning ‘before my feet touch the floor’. Seems like a good plan to start each day trusting a greater Power for the things that matter most! Some days it’s a barely coherent mumble on the way to the bathroom or kitchen but I’ve kept it going.
Last year I added to that the practice of reading with my breakfast or first coffee of the day a Psalm and chapter or part-chapter of a Gospel from the Bible. I’ve been amazed at how repeated, familiar texts have come to fresh life and often been so relevant for that particular day or week.
So are we ready for another?
Every night when our head touches the pillow, let’s say thank you for something.
It may have been a great day or maybe not so good, but even the worst days have some trace of kindness and mercy if we look carefully. Choosing to lie down thankful for something every day may help us rest more peacefully, knowing we are watched over and cared for.
‘Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures for ever…’ writes the Psalmist.
And again, ‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ (Psalms 100 v 4-5 and 4 v 8)
Assuring his Thessalonian readers that their Lord has the future firmly in His hands, the Apostle Paul writes, ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
(1 Thessalonians 5 v 18)
Happy New Year!
(You may like to check out some new material here on wordsurfers.com, sermons from John’s Gospel under ‘Sermons’ and also one or two extra ‘Prayers’. One of the things many of us are thankful for is music in its many styles. Below is a little infectious Vivaldi especially for anyone who ever had to play recorder in school!)
We mean well and maybe start with enthusiasm but then we fail some, get busy and forget, become discouraged and give it all up as a bad job.
The trick is to pick something simple, modest and do-able and fit it into your regular routine so it becomes your habit, part of your daily life rhythm.
A couple of years ago I committed to naming my family in a short prayer every morning ‘before my feet touch the floor’. Seems like a good plan to start each day trusting a greater Power for the things that matter most! Some days it’s a barely coherent mumble on the way to the bathroom or kitchen but I’ve kept it going.
Last year I added to that the practice of reading with my breakfast or first coffee of the day a Psalm and chapter or part-chapter of a Gospel from the Bible. I’ve been amazed at how repeated, familiar texts have come to fresh life and often been so relevant for that particular day or week.
So are we ready for another?
Every night when our head touches the pillow, let’s say thank you for something.
It may have been a great day or maybe not so good, but even the worst days have some trace of kindness and mercy if we look carefully. Choosing to lie down thankful for something every day may help us rest more peacefully, knowing we are watched over and cared for.
‘Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures for ever…’ writes the Psalmist.
And again, ‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ (Psalms 100 v 4-5 and 4 v 8)
Assuring his Thessalonian readers that their Lord has the future firmly in His hands, the Apostle Paul writes, ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
(1 Thessalonians 5 v 18)
Happy New Year!
(You may like to check out some new material here on wordsurfers.com, sermons from John’s Gospel under ‘Sermons’ and also one or two extra ‘Prayers’. One of the things many of us are thankful for is music in its many styles. Below is a little infectious Vivaldi especially for anyone who ever had to play recorder in school!)
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