I WILL

Be strong and of a good courage,
fear not, nor be afraid of them: for
the Lord thy God, he it is that doth
go with thee; he will not fail
thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6

What a precious opening promise as we enter into 2019. In the above verse we have promises from God to carry us through the most difficult of times. This verse also gives us a sense of security in our Heavenly Father that no matter our circumstances, good or bad, He will always be a consistent presence in our lives especially as we anticipate a new year.

I've never been one to make resolutions for the new year. I find within a couple of weeks, I've already messed up, forgetting what I had resolved or rationalizing them away. I have found for me it is best to set some goals. I know I will fail at , but with a goal, I feel I can get up and involve myself in that goal again when necessary With a goal, it's easier to catch up.

Looking into Scripture, “I wills” are found in abundance, from Genesis on through the Word. In some cases it is God Himself or His prophets speaking for Him who may use those two words. There are times when those two words are spoken in first person by someone who has an intent to do or fulfill something.

You and I use those words all the time or at least those words in essence. As we use those words, we are saying we WILL do what we say. There was a day when one's word meant something when even just a handshake sealed an “I will.” My Grandpa bought a house with a handshake and promise of paying so much a month until the house was paid off. The banker just wanted to know what Grandpa thought he could pay a month and a note was made of that. Grandpa gave his word, handshake and that was all the banker needed.

An “I will” is a promise and we can't be casual about using those two words. I have often cautioned ladies about praying “I will” verses from a book like Psalms. When we pray an “I will” to God, He takes us very seriously. Where we might renege with other human beings, there is no reneging with God.

It's an interesting study to look at God's “I wills” to us found in Scripture, but there are many from a book like Psalms that would be worthy goals for us to consider aiming for as we look at a new year. I have listed a few worthy of our consideration. Notice that these are things we must determine in our own hearts to do with the Lord's help. Goals are hard to reach minus the leading and strengthening from Him.

Psalm 4:8....I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord only makes me dwell in safety.

Psalm 9:1...I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.

Psalm 13:6...I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 66:13...I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows.

Just these few “I wills” are things we can accomplish, but not under our own power. Any of us can be people of praise. We don't have to be in church to do that. We can praise and sing to the Lord in the bathtub or shower, while driving the car, while doing chores around the house or when hiking in the mountains. He loves our praise from wherever we are.

The last verse I listed from Psalms involves one basic thing...faithfulness. The Psalmist spoke of being faithful to God's house and in keeping promises (vows). This is two areas where Christians often fall short. Many go to church if they feel like it and even at church may sign up enormous amounts of money for the building program they know they cannot fulfill. Our churches need our faithfulness and honesty that we will be all for the church we can be, in all areas giving glory to our Lord.

May each of us stretch our spiritual muscles this new year so that we will grow in Christ like never before, serving others and Jesus like never before. My prayer for us is that we will have a great year, leaving all the old stuff behind and stretching to the new and exciting.

Dear Father...We know our times are in your hands. We don't know what a new year presents to us, but we must have You with us every step of the way. You've promised to never leave or forsake us. Keep us aware through Your Spirit that without You, we are nothing. Thank You for past blessings, but for what time You have for us in 2019. In Jesus precious name...Amen