Resolve
R E S O L V E: verb. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine to do something.
I have resolved to choose life and only life all of my days. The only things I will surrender to are those which promote life.
I spent too many years surrendering my heart, mind, and emotions to people and situations in which I was never created to yield to.
Both in and out of ministry I would cyclically find myself feeling as though I was gasping for air in both my personal and work life, feeling like I was spinning out of control. Whether it was the things I had or had not committed to - I would repeatedly struggle to know the second half of Jesus' statement in John 10:10 as true for me.
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (ESV)
What felt like an internal fight for life for so long has now shifted into a resolve - an earnest and determined decision to choose life and only life. To return to the basics of what Jesus said are the foundations and fundamental truths that promote life.
I have long heard that a life of discipline is something that would foster this, however discipline (whether in daily habits or academics) is not something that has come easily for me. But I wrestled knowing that if I desire for my life and the environment of my home to be one that reflects the culture of the Kingdom of God than I am going to have to take practical steps to promote that in my life.
Therefore one of the disciplines I’ve begun this year is to read a Psalm aloud in my house everyday.
Within only a few weeks of doing this I’ve found myself refreshed, invigorated and able to firmly stand on the Rock.
Psalm 19:7-10 TPT
God’s Word is perfect in every way; how it revives our souls!
His laws lead us to truth, and his ways change the simple into wise.
His teachings make us joyful and radiate his light; his precepts are so pure!
His commands, how they challenge us to keep close to his heart!
The revelation-light of his word makes my spirit shine radiant.
Every one of the Lord’s commands is right; following them brings cheer.
Nothing he says ever needs to be changed.
The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth.
That’s why I prize God’s word like others prize the finest gold.
Nothing brings the soul such sweetness as seeking his living words.
Choosing to align our thoughts and the culture or atmosphere of our lives and homes with that of the Kingdom of God is life changing. Our emotions follow that which we fix our minds on, and when we fix our minds on the truth of the nature and character of God we will find our lives begin to exude a supernatural element of the abundant life Jesus said He came to give.
May we treasure life.
May we allow and foster the growth of abundant life in our homes.
May we treasure it enough to not only long for it but resolve to engage our will to come into alignment with it.
PC: Annie Shelmerdine
