The Resolution Psalm
People have shared great New Year resolutions with me. But none of them are like this psalm I read the other day. How can one psalm capture the heart of Christian living so well? The college professor part of me smiles when I saw the number: 101. The resolution psalm really teaches us the most basic stuff about how to conduct our lives the Jesus way, don’t you think?
The Resolution Psalm
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
(Psalm 101, NLT)
The best resolution
If we aim to live our lives this way, we are on the right track. Especially, if we do it prayerfully and leaning on God’s grace. Hence our best resolution is to embrace God with our everything. The resolution psalm 101 shows us the way.
It is also important to remember that we are not alone forcing these things to happen in our lives. But we do need to decide how we want to live. When our resolution has been made, God will provide his grace to empower us for victorious living.
Gracious Father,
We thank you for your blessings.
Thank you for providing us everything we need:
Your Word, your grace, your love.
Enable us to live our lives according to you plans for us.
Empower us to seek godly ways to live and serve.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Does the resolution psalm help you to stay on the right path?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace all God has for you this year!
Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. I am linking up with Unite the Bloggersphere and #tellhisstory.
2 thoughts on “The Resolution Psalm”
Loving all the I will statements in this Psalm, asking God to give me the strength to follow the example of the Psalmist in the new year.
Yes! Great resolutions for sure! Thanks, Sarah! God bless you this new year!