As we enter a new year we are faced with some thoughts of reflection on the past and consideration of the future. We often make some resolutions around this time of year. Of course making resolutions isn’t something new. This afternoon I want to turn your attention to some resolutions made by David, a man after God’s own heart.
His resolution about prayer.
Psalm 116:1-2, " I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."
1. He gives his reasoning behind the this resolution.
2. Because God hears and answers prayers.
He also made a resolution about praising God.
Psalm 34:1, "A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
1. There is an excellent example for us to follow in 1995.
2. We need to continue in prayer because prayer is important to our relationship with God.
3. We need to determine to praise Him because:
a. You cannot complain and praise.
b. You cannot criticize and praise.
c. You cannot gossip and praise.
David also made some resolutions concerning God's Word.
Psalm 119:15-16, "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."
1. "I will meditate in thy precepts"
a. The importance of meditating on God's Word.
b. "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he" (Prov. 23:7)
c. Taking God's Word into our minds on a regular basis.
2. "I will delight myself in thy statues"
a. Not to be drudgery, but daily delight.
b. Like a love letter from the Lord.
3. "I will not forget thy word"
a. This calls for memorization.
b. Memorization of the Bible is not just for children.
c. Why not determine to hide the Word of God in your heart this year?
Resolutions about prayer, praise, and the Word of God. All of these were important to David, and should be important to each of us as we face the coming year.