12.29.2024   DEVOTIONAL

Renewing Resolutions for Righteousness

   As we consider the promise found in Isaiah 40:30-31, we are confronted with the reality of our human frailty. Even the strongest among us grow tired and weary. Even the most agile among us stumble and fall. Yet, there is a promise of renewal, a promise that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

   These resolutions are made in the context of our relationship with God. Righteousness is not about following a set of rules or adhering to a specific code of conduct. It is about aligning our lives with the will of God, seeking His guidance in all things, and striving to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. 

   The first aspect of this renewal involves a commitment to prayer. Prayer is not just a means of communicating with God, but a way of aligning our will with His. It is through prayer that we express our hopes, our fears, our desires, and our needs. In prayer, we seek God's guidance, His wisdom, and His strength. 

   Next involves a commitment to God's Word. The Bible is not just a book, but a guide, a roadmap for our lives. It is through the study of God's Word that we gain a deeper understanding of His character, His promises, and His plan for us. It is through the study of God's Word that we are equipped to make wise decisions, respond to challenges with faith, and live in a manner that is pleasing to God. 

   The third aspect of this renewal involves a commitment to fellowship. We are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. We are meant to walk it in community, with fellow believers who can encourage us, challenge us, and hold us accountable. It is through fellowship that we experience the love of God in tangible ways, that we are reminded of our shared hope, and that we are strengthened in our resolve to live righteously. 

   Finally, we are committed to service. We are not saved for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to serve those in need. It is through service that we demonstrate the love of God, that we share the hope of the gospel, and that we make a tangible difference in the world.