From school days we have heard and been told that January is the month for making resolutions, to become better persons. After serious and genuine attempts at varied resolutions, I admit to being unable to sustain the initial enthusiasm and fervour beyond the first month, ending up feeling guilty.

Now, thinking about it, it could be that I went about it the wrong way, that is, relied on my own strength instead of doing what the Psalmist says “Commit your way to the Lord; put you trust in Him and LET HIM ACT” (Ps. 37:5)

In the course of my walk with Jesus, I adopted the following two habits; the fruit of which is peace and stability for me.

HABIT NO 1: TO LET JESUS ACT.

I began to make time for Jesus, by setting the alarm, waking up and getting out of bed immediately. It’s a habit now. In a spirit of gratitude, I thank God for the night as it was, the dawn of the day and for new life which we receive through Jesus. I also add to this prayer matters which I cannot handle, problems & worries. I open the Bible and take up a passage, for example, Ps.37: 7-8, “Keep calm before the Lord, wait for Him in patience, do not fret if others succeed when they carry out evil schemes. Refrain from anger….”. Such or similar passage I carry around with me and I’m able to spend the day in peace, and watch how Jesus meets my needs and even adds some surprises.

Before going to bed I review the day and thank Jesus for the help and blessings received. I never miss an opportunity to put into the Hands of Jesus any unfinished work, all the concerns of the morrow, (even preparing of this article) and then go to sleep. This simple habit has slowly swept away fear, anxiety, stress, irritability, thus making life more peaceful and centered.

HABIT NO 2: TO TELL THE TRUTH.

There was a time when I could look a person in the eye, tell a lie, and think nothing of it. In following Jesus, who is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE, I resolved to tell the truth.

Resolve means to make a decision, to choose. CHOICE is the most powerful tool given to us to make our life or break it. It is God’s gift to each of us, called FREE WILL, one decision that could have the most powerful impact on our body, soul and well-being is, TO TELL THE TRUTH; to live a life of integrity. When we lie, our mind, heart and soul know we did it. It is worse when we deliberately say what is untrue, in order to hurt someone or damage a reputation.

Lying causes stress, because it requires a very good memory to remember the lies told. Studies done on patients, who are ill, reveal that liars don’t heal. Jesus has said “… the truth will set you free”, that is, you will be peaceful, happy and therefore free from deep within.

Social media will bombard us now with picturesque inspirational quotes and resolutions, which we will soon forget after forwarding. My prayer for you is that you will CHOOSE to speak the truth and let Jesus act in the events of each day of 2020.

May it be the year that you fall in love with Jesus.

A PEACEFUL & CARE-FREE 2020 to you and your family

J. Rodrigues