Saturday, June 29, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

180th Day of the Year

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

When I am trying to dress my little boy, and he is facing the opposite direction, I ask him to turn around. Instead of turning to face me, he turns in a complete 360 degree circle until he is right back where he began. I've learned that I have to tell my "literal" little two-year-old to turn and face me.

Today marks our 180th devotion, and the 180th day of the year. At the beginning of the year, most of us probably made fresh commitments and resolutions possibly regarding our health, habits, work ethic, relationships, and faith.

Today, I hope that you find yourself at the 180 degree place - a place of complete positive change in the right direction. However, with the stresses of life and the many strong pulls in the "opposite" direction, sadly, many may find themselves right where they started.

Failed resolutions and goals can often result in a couple of emotions: personal defeat or justification of our actions.

My two personal New Year's resolutions usually involve diet and spending more time in prayer and my Bible. If I do not meet my goals, it would be easy to say things like, "my life is just too busy to focus on dieting and spiritual growth...I'm just trying to survive." However, I know that if I DO make the effort to focus on these goals, I feel healthier physically and spiritually.

In Proverbs 14:12, the Bible says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Based upon our hectic schedules, our lack of positive change may seem "right" or "okay." I propose though that there is a better way.

I challenge you today to evaluate your life and identify areas in which you did not meet your personal goals OR that could use a 180 degree change. Then, I encourage you to diligently work on that area. None of us are exempt to this challenge...none have reached perfection or have "arrived." Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God, "who began the good work within you, will continue His work UNTIL it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Dear Lord, Show me areas that I can improve in my life and give me the strength and grace to do so. Even if I have failed time and time again, through You, I know that this TIME will definitely be different.