EL Joan’s column for 1-10-16
Four, three, two, one, Happy New Year!
The festivities cease and it’s time to tackle that list of resolutions: to eat more veggies and less junk, to spend more time with family and less time with that electronic device, to cut out that habit of smoking, nail biting, partying or shopping until you drop.
Easily made, quickly broken – New Year resolutions need a new approach. One that hinges on seeking God’s direction before making a resolution and then hangs on the promise of Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that verse quoted, I would have a tidy savings account. No savings account, but I do have the book of Proverbs and its ancient words of wisdom.
Before resolving anything remember, “don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
For those given to excessive alcohol (or misusing drugs) and wanting to get ahead in life, “strong drink is not for decision makers – those folks need to be sober lest they hurt the people who depend on them. … Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache of the terminally ill.” (Proverbs 31:4, 6).
Some folks actually make resolutions to get more sleep. Proverbs is not particularly helpful. It says stuff like “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” (Proverbs 20:13). Of course that was written before electricity and NetFlix. Still the truth remains, “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief.” (Proverbs 6:9-11).
Personally, I prefer Psalms 127:2 when I need some rest: “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” I used that verse many times when the kids were little, the house a total wreck and the dishes undone. “He loves to give his beloved sleep.” Leave me alone, God is giving me sleep.
Then there is the perennial New Year’s resolution to save money, to get the finances under control and live within one’s means. A wise decision because, “When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is stored up for the godly.” (Proverbs 13:22). Better stick with the Proverbs about money though because the rest of the Bible has a lot to say about giving your money to help the needy: “you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” (Deut. 15:7).
For dieters, Proverbs has a few choice words for those who really need it. Skinny Minnies who wear clothes in single digits, can now tune out, we’re talking about button poppers and seam shredders. In those situations, some dieting advice from the Proverbs but never found in Prevention magazine, “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” (Proverbs 23:2).
Whatever your resolution this year, don’t delay in working on it. “The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.” (Proverbs 12:24). “Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering.” (Proverbs 13:4).
A happy and blessed New Year to you, may all your resolutions find fulfillment.
(Joan Hershberger is a staff writer for the El Dorado News-Times. She can be reached at joanh@everybody.org.)