- New Year Resolutions
- Passage: Psalm 77:11-12
- Talk Notes
- Visual Aids (powerpoint)
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We’re almost at the end of the year. This week we go from 2009 to 2010. Who can tell me what people do at the end of the year? [Have a party; make New Year resolutions].
Can you tell me what you think the most popular New Year resolutions are?
- Lose weight or not gain anymore.
- Go to the gym.
- Give up chocolate/alcohol/smoking.
- Go green – recycle more.
- Spend less.
Some other that you might consider:
- Stop buying useless stuff.
- Take the dog for a walk more.
- Play more computer games (after all scientist say it’s good for you – improve your visual skills).
If you decide not to take up any of these, I want to suggest a resolution we should all take up.
We find this resolution in the Bible in Psalm 77:11-12 (as well as other places): “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”
It’s to remember!
To remember what God has done. To take time to think and list all the ways God has been good to you. An old hymn has the chorus “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
God has blessed us in so many ways: provision of food, family, friends, homes, pets, schools and colleges, jobs, technology, hobbies to enjoy, and most of all the Lord Jesus Christ and all the riches He gives to all who trust in Him.
If you are trusting in Jesus, God’s greatest gift, you are flooded with blessing. A right relationship with God. Forgiveness of sins. Removal of God’s judgment and the punishment of hell. Certainty of eternal life. A place prepared for you in the new heavens and new earth. The Holy Spirit within, helping you to love God more. God’s law written on our hearts so we are able to obey Jesus and love to do this. Being able to call God “Father”. Jesus’ presence with you in the good times and the bad times. And so on.
When you take time and remember (consider and meditate) on all that God has done and is doing, it should amaze you because God has been so kind. But it should also make you thankful to God for who He is and all His deeds.
Let’s resolve to be thankful people, by remembering what God has done.
