I’m hearing a lot of cynicism and negativity surrounding the idea of New Year’s Resolutions in this past week or so. Our generation is accustomed to a “fake news” world, which means we are less likely to believe the hype and get carried away by big statements and promises. However, let’s not let being media-savvy and harder to fool also make us jaded. The way I see it, resolve, no matter what time of year it comes at, is a great thing. Let’s be known for our steadfastness; let’s not let the possibility of failure make us to fearful to stand for anything. Let’s not allow our expectations, and the prayers that echo them, be diminished by a perceived need to manage expectations; we are God’s children, not his PR agents, after all.
This morning my Bible reading was Psalm 2, which is a psalm I love, because to me, it is reminiscent of a football victory song. It’s all attitude and challenge; it’s a boasting psalm. The only difference is that instead of boasting of the ability of the boys to run hard and kick straighter than the other team, it’s boast is the unstoppable power of our God. It warns the powerful of this world not to get on the wrong side of Him and declares the victory and prosperity of those who count themselves His own. In particular, this short section stood out to me:
“Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
- Psalm 2:8-9
There are resolutions in this passage that I have decided to adopt; maybe one of them is just what you need as well!
- Pray as a child.
What I love about this is that it invites us to be active participants in this life that He has given us. He is our father; we have permission to ASK Him. We are not dogs, waiting under His table, hoping for a scrap of blessing to fall. We are not mere servants who have to broker an agreement and then work to gain its benefits, demonstrating our worthiness before we see the promises of our master fulfilled. We are children with permission, invitation even, to boldly approach the throne to petition the King. In 2018, I resolve to pray bold prayers, to be an active participant in what God is doing.
2. Size matters.
How rich our Father is! We often talk about “cattle on a thousand hills”, which is a metaphor that may have lost some meaning for a generation that doesn’t spend much time buying and selling cattle, but we get the drift: He’s not struggling for resources. Our prayers reflect our expectations and He is calling is to raise them. Ask for the nations. Ask for the ends of the earth. Ask for something bigger than what you’ve seen before. Don’t allow fear of disappointment to prevent you asking Him for what He has already promised. God is not afraid of high expectations. In 2018, I resolve to pray BIG prayers, that reflect a higher expectation.
3. Embrace the uncertainty.
God will give you what you’re asking for; He’s the one who told you to ask, remember? He will give you this city, this university, this breakthrough…if you know what to do with it when He does. There’s a hint in the passage above:
“You will break them with a rod of iron,
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
We can’t be afraid to shake things up a bit. We can’t be afraid of a bit of mess. (After all, you can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs). Don’t be too careful. You’re accountable to God, and under Him, the laws of the land. After that, things are up for discussion. Spiritual strongholds, patterns, the way things have always been, people’s expectations – some of this stuff is going to have to get smashed up like old pottery if you are going to step into the answers to those big prayers you’re going to be praying! Shake things up. Don’t expect smooth sailing when you’re breaking new ground (apologies for the mixed metaphor, got a bit carried away). The things of this world can’t stand up to a higher power, so we need to choose which we will allow to govern our steps. In 2018, I resolve to embrace uncertainty and pray prayers that challenge the status quo.
Happy New Year friends! May you lift your eyes, raise your expectations and pray big, bold, even a little scary prayers this year!
Energizer Young Adults 