By Denise Griffiths, Jubilee Church Wirral

Firstly, a very Happy New year to you all.

It’s a tradition at this time of year to make resolutions. I know that in the past I have made plenty: to eat healthier, drink more water, watch less television, exercise regularly and so on. You may recognise some of these and can probably add more of your own! 

Unfortunately the reality for me has been that these resolutions have always been broken at some point. Some have lasted longer than others, even years, but there has always been an  end. Being truly open and honest, I love chocolate, think water is bland, relish escaping into a good series, documentary or film, oh and I detest exercise!!  

I have also come to the realisation that these promises, which we make to ourselves and sometimes to others, aren’t usually something we really want to do, otherwise we already would be, right? 

For me, they had often been made from a place of insecurity or unhappiness, because they were generated by the lie that “Life would be better if only…”

So over time as I have understood that I am enough as I am. I am content.

However, what I do love is the meaning of resolution’s root word ‘resolute’ which is  admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

This is where I can get on board with being resolute, in my growth as a Christian. We are never the finished article, as Paul reminds us in Philippians 3 v 13-14.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

However, we can be admirably purposeful, determined and unwavering in our pursuit of pushing forward into a more Christ-like life.

I know I have much more to learn and I want to be driven; in my Bible study, prayer life and relationship with my Lord, so that I can press on until I am called heavenward.

So I pray that you will be resolute with me, and that you will know God’s blessing in 2023. 

Denise Griffiths, Jubilee Church Wirral