We have divided our lives into one-year segments. They begin at a certain time and end at another. The problem is that we tend to categorize our successes and defeats within these year slots and then weigh them at the beginning of each year, usually focusing on what we did not do.
Each year, I see the same people go up for prayer yet again, determined to make their new-year’s resolutions work. What they don’t realize is that a new set of rules, or the same set of rules as last year just done differently, will ultimately give them the same results. What they need is a change of heart.
I believe we need to learn that each day is a gift in it’s own right. The Bible says the Lord’s mercies and loving kindness are new EVERY morning. Every morning, He is willing to give me better than I deserve and love me regardless.
This thought alone should make me glad. Each day has a new silver lining. One quote I read says, “We miss the silver linings of each day because we are too busy looking for the gold ones.”
All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. —Proverbs 15:15 (AMPC)
When we look back at the mistakes of yesteryear, our days become evil because we become despondent due to anxious thoughts and forebodings. We need to learn to have a glad heart.
These thoughts might help you to start being glad regardless of your circumstances:
SHAKE OFF YOUR DOUBTS
The Oxford dictionary defines doubt as an uncertainty about something, or being undecided.
James says that a double-minded person cannot receive anything from the Lord.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” —James 1:5-8 (KJV)
Make up your mind what it is you want to do and then go for it—with God’s help. But remember, YOU have to make the decision.
LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE
You cannot decide what you want without listening to your heart. Learn to define what your greatest heart’s desire is. Not what your spouse or children or boss want.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” —Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He is your friend.
DON’T LIVE A LIFE OF REGRET
Regrets will always bring a negative force into play. They cause you to dwell on the past and forget there is a future, which you can change and work toward.
Paul says in Philippians 3:13 (NLT), “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,”
Put regrets behind you. You cannot change history!
MAKE THE BEST OF THE PRESENT
Consider what you have at the moment—what blessings and abilities you have (no matter how small they seem) that can be of benefit to you and others and build on that, giving thanks to God in all things.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” —Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)
PROBLEMS DON’T HAVE TO PREVAIL
Problems are a part of life. Without them, we don’t grow, but they don’t have to prevail. Use them to help you keep on trying.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33 (KJV)
Jesus said we would have trouble in this world but that He had overcome. There is always help.
Don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have enough trouble of its own! (Matt. 6:34)
