Why You Should Be Making Faith-Based Resolutions

In a previous article, we addressed the possibility of not setting resolutions, and furthermore, what to do instead. However, it isn’t a bad thing at all to have resolutions and goals. The desire for a balanced life, bank account, and health are all good things. But…

What about my walk with God? My faith in Him?

^“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

My days are better when I put God first. When I try to make plans without including Him, it never seems to work out.

I won’t exactly list out resolutions, but rather, ways to consistently nurture and nourish your spiritual health and wellness, especially as Christians. Being healthy and happy doesn’t only involve what we eat, but the state of our minds and hearts. We may not always feel happy, but it is possible to possess an inner peace and joy under circumstances. How is this possible? I know it can’t be done alone. 

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 

“Spiritual life yields to its possessor that which all the world is seeking but which can never be obtained without an entire surrender to God”.—Letter 121, 1904.

The greatest battle waged is one against our own minds. With so many distractions and evil in the world, it may seem impossible to truly have a healthy spiritual experience. God cannot be tired with our burdens. If we give it all to Him, He will take care of it. This is where faith comes in.

What are some key components to developing and maintaining a healthy spiritual experience?

Take it from David the Psalmist, who said:

“I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Psalms 119:59

Consider our current experience and look to God for improvement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. That means it’s a moment by moment, day by day experience. It’s not achieved overnight, but God walks along with us on that journey. This is the pathway for true success in God.

1. Read Your Bible

If you have not made it a habit to read your Bible daily, start small. Don’t feel pressured to read and study your Bible for an hour at first. Let it come naturally over time and ask God to put that desire in you to read His Word. Begin by claiming a Bible promise in the morning before beginning your day. It only takes a couple of minutes. Once you have established that, add more Bible promises. Then, begin reading a passage, and take time to understand what God is conveying to you through His Word. You can start to incorporate a short Bible study for yourself, or read a devotional book, and find yourself enriched.

2. Pray

Pray without ceasing. What does that mean? We should definitely keep our eyes on the road when driving. This means to keep our minds in a state of open communion with God. I like to pray in the morning before reading my Bible. We can pray while we drive, before we eat, while getting ready for our day, shopping, while interacting with others.

You can even set an alarm to pray in the middle of the day to recharge. If you are not sure what to pray about, ask God to bring things into mind. Start by prayer for a few minutes, and over time you will find yourself praying more. Ask others around you for prayer requests and keep a list. You’ll be amazed by the experience gained by witnessing the answers to prayers.

3. Stay Faithful

Stay true to the truths God has revealed to you and ask Him to help you stay faithful in all your duties.

4. Join a Bible study 

This is a great way to be enriched and engage in Biblical discussion. It’s a way to help you grow spiritually, share each other’s burdens and victories, and feel that sense of community. If you don’t know of any Bible studies happening near you, you can always start with this self-guided one.

5. Attend church weekly 

This is a larger scale experience of joining a Bible study. Remember that church is not for a perfect elite group. God asks us in His Word to assemble ourselves together in church, to serve others, and it keeps each other accountable. “Church” is about worshiping God and serving others.

7. Invite others to join you

Share the good news of how God has changed your life for the better (and still is!) Even if they say no, they may agree to it one day.

Grace Jauwena

Grace Jauwena is a health coach that focuses on plant-based nutrition and natural remedies. She strives to help others thrive holistically, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in natural medicine. She loves to cook, create recipes, style food, and take photos. In her free time, she explores new foods, hiking trails, and beaches with her husband, and spends time with family and friends.