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Resolution 2023

I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

2023 is upon us, and as I reflect on the last year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. There were many changes this year, and these changes have allowed me to step back and take a breath. Still, I find myself busy with life. After all, I am in a season of busyness with a thirteen-year-old in middle school and a high school senior. 

I’ve been thinking about my “resolutions.” I don’t necessarily like to make bold declarations at the start of a year that will ultimately end in failure. For me, these “resolutions” are really more like decisions. For example, last year, I decided (resolved) to read at least two books each month. Not only did I meet my goal, but through listening to audiobooks, I far exceeded it.

Now, though, on this first day of 2023, I find myself unsure. My job change has allowed me to spend more time with family and in ministry. Now I seem to be in a season of waiting for direction.

The fact is, I’m pretty content with life right now. God is fulfilling promises, and until I know what direction He wants me to take, I think I know what my biggest resolution is. 

I’ve decided not to decide. This year, instead of setting predictable and attainable goals, I think I’m going to take a leap. This year, in 2023, I’m going to decide to let God make the decisions for me. 

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

This may seem like a small thing or even comical for some people. It’s definitely an experiment in trust for me, because I am a planner. And quite frankly, I had a plan. I thought I knew what was going to happen and felt familiar with the timeline. Trust diving into 2023 with no expectation of what the year will hold is a little frightening. But in this season of my life, I’m finding that my expectations are far below what God has in mind. 

So this year, God, I give to you. Surprise me with the wonders of life. Comfort me in the difficult moments that will come. Carry me when I’m too weary to move forward. In every moment of every day, let me feel Your presence. I give You my resolutions because You already have prepared the way for me this year. Thank you for my past. Let me enjoy this present. And take all of my future. 

May you also experience the blessings of God in your life this year. Happy new year, friends.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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