Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
With each new year I collide with my old year’s habits. I set goals to improve my self-disciplines. The goals typically include diet, exercise, prayer time, Bible time, relationships, work projects, etc…
Goals or Resolutions have become a tradition in our culture. New Year’s celebrations often include hopes of improvement. There is something special about getting a fresh start, yet with each new year, the newness wears off in just a few weeks. Resolutions tend to fade away.
Thankfully, God gives us a new start every day, not just once a year! (Lamentations 3:21-24) God is not interested in our self-improvement, He wants us to rely upon Him. (Proverbs 3:5-7) His transforming power will make eternal improvements within us. (2 Corinthians 5:17) , (Romans 6:1-7) , (Romans 12:1-2)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:8 is a popular verse, but it is frequently used out of it’s context. Though these words are absolutely true, may we not forget the circumstances in which they were spoken. The Apostle Paul was suffering in a prison cell when he pinned them. As the Apostle Paul was able to endure in Christ’s strength, we too can endure. Hopefully we are never in a prison cell, but every day we are tempted to walk into a cell of sin. Every day we must battle our fleshly desires, we will choose to serve the Lord or ourselves. We will walk willingly into our sinful habits or we will walk willingly toward Christ our Savior.
When you are reading Philippians 4:8 out loud, upon which word do you place the most emphasis? “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Is it the word “I” or the word “through”? If we want to accomplish our goals for the new year, we must shift our focus from ourselves and gaze upon Christ alone.
Each of our new year’s goals will collide with our old year’s habits. Change is only possible through Christ. Remember, that with each new day, God is pouring out His mercy. We must abide in Him. (John 15:4-5)
In Times Like These 