I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-4
I began this year with a single resolution: to depend less on myself and more on Jesus. It was a challenge extended by one of our pastors while he preached on Psalm 121 during the last sermon of 2018. We’re 2 weeks into 2019 and my resolution is going the way that most New Year’s resolutions go...I’m already failing big time!
This world celebrates autonomy and powering through struggles in one’s own strength. We’re often taught myths like, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” or “God will never give you more than you can handle on your own.” These statements aren’t biblical and they set us up for disappointment. Instead, we should model the writer of Psalm 121, who cries out to the Lord because he recognises that he should look to Him for help in ALL things.
Since that sermon, our pastor’s words have been echoing in my head, “Walk in the freedom that Christ has won for you through His death and resurrection.” So while most years I am discouraged when I inevitably blow my New Year’s resolutions, this year, I’m encouraged instead. I am a work in progress, but I worship a God who has already saved me from the curse of sin. He knows me! He knows my forgetfulness. He knows my weaknesses. He knows my needs. There is purpose in all of my suffering. My Father never falls asleep on the job and He will not allow my foot to be moved!
Although it’s God who changes us, a personal relationship with Him begins with knowing His Son, Jesus. Spending time in prayer each and every day is a good start. On my own I have a tendency to get distracted or often can’t be bothered, but in fellowship, I’m reminded that a relationship is a two-way street. I would like to encourage everyone, myself included, to be more intentional in our relationship with our Saviour.
Do you feel like you need to make more time for Jesus? Then join me for a 30 day prayer challenge! Together we’ll use simple tools and work on strategies that will help you create habits that lead to an intimate relationship with Christ. Register below to join us.
