Pastor column: Live life with resolve
The word “resolve” means “to decide firmly on a course of action.” To my way of thinking, this is exactly what Christians need in their lives. Resolve brings a radical change in the way we think and in the way we act. Paul writes in Thessalonians 5, telling the church in no uncertain terms exactly how the Lord intends for every child of God to live their lives. Live with resolve!
First, Paul says that we are to have a resolve in God’s praise. “Rejoice always” (vs. 16) literally means “to have a praise in our hearts to God at all times.” The writer of Hebrews 13 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His Name” (vs. 15). There are other verses that teach this same truth, but suffice it to say that the church and our personal lives ought to be filled with God’s praise.
Secondly, Paul says that we are to have a resolve in prayer … “pray continually” (vs. 17). Prayer is so vitally important to the spiritual life of every Christian. We are to have a resolve in prayer — always be in the spirit of prayer, when we are the Lord will hear us and will answer. Jesus promised, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
Thirdly, Paul says that we are to have a resolve withthanksgiving … “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (vs. 18). God, however, is calling us to be genuinely thankful from our hearts for all His blessings in our lives. God has done so much for us that we could never repay Him. The least we can do is to bow our heads before Him and be thankful for His gracious gifts. After all, it is His will for every Christian!
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
Give thanks to God! Paul says that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). God’s power will rise up in us — a heart of resolve with gratitude, no matter our circumstances as we focus on Jesus who came to save us from the evil one.
I don't know about you but I sense the need to have real resolve in my spiritual life. If you sense the same need, I challenge you to turn to the Lord. He will empower your resolve to get in line with Jesus and to do His will. Are you in need of real resolve in your life?
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: The need for resolve in your spiritual life
