[After reading “RBS Tabletalk” magazine I was challenged as to my list of
“New Year’s Resolutions” today. Trust this summary will challenge yours.]
MY RESOLUTIONS FOR 2008
#1- Resolved to “lose weight”
#2- Resolved to “manage debt”
#3- Resolved to “save money”
#4- Resolved to “get in better physical shape”
#5- Resolved to “eat right”
#6- Resolved to “spend more time with family”
#7- Resolved to “reduce stress”
But the Bible reminds us, “I thought about my ways.” The Hebrew term
translated “thought” conveys two related ideas. First, it means “to
consider, to ponder, to contemplate, or to mull over” (Ps. 73:16; 77:6;
144:3). It’s what you do when you read the essay question on your finally
exam. You “think about it; you ‘mull over’ it.” Hopefully, that’s what
you’re doing as I’m speaking! Your mind is engaged. But it also denotes
“evaluation” (Prov. 17:28; Isa. 53:4). When a parent seeks to resolve a
conflict between two disputing children, he asks for all the facts in order
to understand what the dispute is all about and to render an evaluation of
the dispute that is just and fair.
So the psalmist engaged his mind for the purpose of comprehension and
evaluation. But what was the object of his careful scrutiny? “I thought
about,” he says, “my ways.” The Hebrew term translated “way” or “ways”
refers either to a road or path upon which one travels or to the actual
journey itself. But the Bible often uses this term metaphorically to refer
to a man’s actions and behavior – so the psalmist is seriously thinking
about and passing judgment upon his actions and behavior.
In my life, I am often too busy for self-reflection. I’m too busy with work,
too busy with recreation. too busy with entertainment. I NEED time for
“self-reflection.”
MY RESOLUTIONS FOR 2009
#1- Resolved to “reflect on the state of my soul in light of eternity”
#2- Resolved to “reflect on my daily walk with God in prayer, Bible reading,
church”
#3- Resolved to “reflect on my stewardship of time and money”
#4- Resolved to “reflect on my relationships with my dear wife and family”
#5- Resolved to “reflect on my witness to others of God’s grace”
#6- Resolved to “reflect on my use of Christian liberty, to walk carefully
for God”
#7- Resolved to “reflect on my love and devotion to my blessed Lord and
Savior”
[I’d recommend everyone visit the full article and seriously “reflect” on
its message]
http://rbseminary.wordpress.com/2008/12/31/some-guidelines-for-making-new-ye
ars-resolutions/
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
“Jesus knows me, this I love”