Did you make a resolution for the New Year? Perhaps it was for a healthier lifestyle, to get more exercise, to eat better, or to better manage your finances. Big plans to bring about change. Wonderful ideas to be more than you were before.
Now the big question – have you stuck to that resolution? It might seem like a silly question, but according to some research I was recently reading, “Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January” (https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail#:~:text=Researchers%20suggest%20that%20only%209,fail%20at%20New%20Year’s%20resolutions.). Why is it that we cannot seem to stick to our resolutions?
One thought might say that we set our goals too high; we attempt things that we never could have pulled off, so we just give up on them. Another idea might be that we’re not very good at keeping promises, and if a resolution is a promise to ourselves, then we can certainly break that promise, too, can’t we? We make promises, swear oaths, enter into contracts, and exchange vows seemingly every single day – all of which seem to end up broken in the end.
This week I found myself pondering – but what about a covenant? How is it different than all these other things? In biblical times, a covenant was an agreement made between two parties, one in which a stronger side made an unconditional promise with a weaker one, an unbreakable bond of never-ending commitment. While the weaker side may not live up to their side of the agreement, the stronger side would always do so without fail.
This is the type of agreement that God has always made with us. Whether it be with Abraham, the Israelites, David, or modern Christians, God has always promised to live up to the commitment that has been made. Consider these Scriptures:
“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13, NRSV).
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8, NRSV).
“Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Gen 28:15, NRSV).
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20b), NRSV).
God’s covenant with us is eternal and perfect. Regardless of our failures, God promises to be with us and work things for our good. God is 100% committed to this relationship. Can we say the same?
Always pondering,
Pastor Steve