Articles
You Can't Handle 2019
I love a new year! It’s a time of hope, fresh starts, renewed focus and determination. But sadly, most new year’s resolutions are rooted in self. They’re all about how I will change my life with my new sense of self-sufficiency and inner strength. The truth is, you can’t handle 2019. I can’t handle 2019. We are too weak and needy to handle the year on our own. That may sound defeatist, but it’s the path to real strength. “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about by weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me…for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) If you want a fantastic year, consider these 3 resolutions:
1) I will be vulnerable. I will be honest with my weaknesses and shortcomings. I will remove the mask I’ve been wearing. I will stop telling myself I’m “fine” when I’m not. I will stop acting like I can run my own life without help. I will stop pretending I can handle 2019, or even Monday, January 7th. I will grieve when I’m sad. I will not say prayers I think God wants to hear; I’ll share what’s in my heart. I will look to the Psalms to help me express my vulnerability.
“Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life. I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalm 69:1-3)
2) I will lean fully on God. I will not take a single step without stepping before God in prayer. I will not make a single decision without seeking God’s wisdom. I will not choose my own solutions over God’s. When I’m in need, I will not try to “suck it up” or “get over it” or “pull myself together.” Instead, I’ll give God my burdens because He cares enough to carry them (1 Peter 5:7). I will not try to beat sin by my own will power. Instead, I will beg God daily for a new will.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26).
3) I will lean fully on God’s people. I will stop isolating myself. I will stop hiding my life behind busy-ness. I will put people before privacy. I will stop believing Satan’s lie that I don’t need anyone and they don’t need me. I will stop coming in late and rushing out the door at worship services just to avoid talking to people. I will let myself depend on people and let people depend on me. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” (Romans 12:10).
True strength and victory in 2019 starts by admitting you can’t handle it. By admitting you are in need.
