Reflections - The Christian Online Magazine

The Christian Online Magazine -

Although the Christmas holiday is over, it will still linger in our hearts throughout the year. As our family rang in the New Year, we took time to reflect on our lives. Life is a growing and learning process. For only by openly and honestly looking at the past year, admitting the mistakes we made, and learning from them can we grow.

We ask ourselves what we might have done differently. If so, what might have been the benefits from approaching issues with a different attitude? In doing this, God is able through the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us.

Personally, I have learned that first, and foremost, I must go to the one who not only has all wisdom, He is Wisdom. Who better to ask advice from, than our Heavenly Father? God has promised if we ask for wisdom he will give it to us.

Please take a moment to read the story of the Wisdom of Solomon. 1 Kings 3: 4-15.

Solomon approached God to request wisdom. Scriptures say that the request pleased God. That alone, encourages me to seek God for wisdom, because I certainly want to please God. Scriptures also tell us that because he did, God made promises for things Solomon did not even ask for.

1 Kings 3:12 -14 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor—so that in your life in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways, and obey my statues, and commands as David, your father did, I will give you a long life.

God resists the proud, but if we humble ourselves before him, he will give grace, and he will exalt us in due time. 1 Peter 5:6. Pride puts a barrier between us and God. Pride will hinder our prayers. When prayers seem empty or unanswered, we must search our heart and ask a few questions. Do I have unrepented sin in my life? Am I asking according to God’s will? Do I have unforgiveness in my heart? If the previous questions can be honestly answered with,” no,” then we must simply wait on the Lord for his timing.

Finally, ask the question, what does God require of me? Micah 6:6 answers the question beautifully. Do justly, love mercy; walk humbly with your God. Humility brings results.

New Years celebrations brought forth all kinds of resolutions. Make resolutions to yourselves this year. Resolve to seek God first in all your decisions, whether they are great, or small. Go to the Father with a pure and humble heart. Give thanks with a grateful heart for all he has done and will do in the year to come.

Happy New Year!

* Scripture references taken from the NIV Study Bible.