Pondering the Principles of Proverbs
No offense, but you probably won't keep these. The new year seems to be a place for many to begin thinking of a new start on some aspect of their life.
Resolutions are made, but broken almost as quickly--so much so, that jokes are rampant as to the futility of even trying.
Why do we do this?
Resolutions are made, but broken almost as quickly--so much so, that jokes are rampant as to the futility of even trying.
Why do we do this?
Why do we make resolutions? Why are we not able to keep these resolutions? Why is our resolve so weak?
Any one of those questions, discussed in depth and at length, would take more than one blog post to consider. My experience as a counselor and a life coach has allowed me to see these problems from both sides.
There are academic studies with their researched opinions. There are motivational and personal-development teachers with their experienced-based opinions. There are opinionated people with their opinions.
And there is this blog post.
We make resolutions, because there is something in us that cries out for 'better, more.' We want to improve our lives.
We inherently know that our life could be so much more than it is. Often, however, we don't know exactly what that might be. So, we grab at whatever we perceive to be the biggest weakness in our life that we think may be holding us back from grabbing the brass ring.
Trying to focus on your greatest weakness is the first step to guaranteed failure.
After all, you've probably had that 'friend' for quite some time.
Why not, rather, focus on one of your strengths so as to improve in that area? Doing this will strengthen your overall view of yourself, and remove the focus on "not good enough."
Regardless of where you focus, however, it is imperative that you realize two things:
Pro. 16:9--The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
We make our plans, and the Lord establishes the way for them to be fulfilled.
It is unfortunate that the translators chose to put the word "but" in there. "...(B)ut the Lord" is a phrase translating only the word "Jehovah." There is just as much reason to put "and" as there would be "but." Therefore, when we read this verse, many take it as almost a contradiction in that whatever we do doesn't matter, because the Lord just might direct otherwise.
The reality is that He has given you the ability to make plans that will enhance your life in such a way as to glorify Him
(Psalms 37:4). He establishes and directs those plans and the steps necessary to accomplish them. And when you commit your way to the Lord, trusting Him for the outcome, success is in the bag. (Ps. 37:5)
This is not the place to teach you how to make and set goals in a manner that will bring success. There are steps that can be learned and applied that will help you move toward your heart's desire. There are also plenty of people, probably more qualified than I, who can teach you those things. However, if you desire, send me a private message on my FaceBook page and I will be glad to work with you to help you achieve your goals.
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. The link is just above the picture of the ugly guy who writes this stuff. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
Any one of those questions, discussed in depth and at length, would take more than one blog post to consider. My experience as a counselor and a life coach has allowed me to see these problems from both sides.
There are academic studies with their researched opinions. There are motivational and personal-development teachers with their experienced-based opinions. There are opinionated people with their opinions.
And there is this blog post.
We make resolutions, because there is something in us that cries out for 'better, more.' We want to improve our lives.
We inherently know that our life could be so much more than it is. Often, however, we don't know exactly what that might be. So, we grab at whatever we perceive to be the biggest weakness in our life that we think may be holding us back from grabbing the brass ring.
Trying to focus on your greatest weakness is the first step to guaranteed failure.
After all, you've probably had that 'friend' for quite some time.
Why not, rather, focus on one of your strengths so as to improve in that area? Doing this will strengthen your overall view of yourself, and remove the focus on "not good enough."
Regardless of where you focus, however, it is imperative that you realize two things:
- Goals, such as the ones listed in the graphic, don't work, because they are not specific. They are too general and will not pull you toward them.
- The Lord is there to help you when you establish worthwhile goals.
Pro. 16:9--The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
We make our plans, and the Lord establishes the way for them to be fulfilled.
It is unfortunate that the translators chose to put the word "but" in there. "...(B)ut the Lord" is a phrase translating only the word "Jehovah." There is just as much reason to put "and" as there would be "but." Therefore, when we read this verse, many take it as almost a contradiction in that whatever we do doesn't matter, because the Lord just might direct otherwise.
The reality is that He has given you the ability to make plans that will enhance your life in such a way as to glorify Him
(Psalms 37:4). He establishes and directs those plans and the steps necessary to accomplish them. And when you commit your way to the Lord, trusting Him for the outcome, success is in the bag. (Ps. 37:5)
This is not the place to teach you how to make and set goals in a manner that will bring success. There are steps that can be learned and applied that will help you move toward your heart's desire. There are also plenty of people, probably more qualified than I, who can teach you those things. However, if you desire, send me a private message on my FaceBook page and I will be glad to work with you to help you achieve your goals.
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. The link is just above the picture of the ugly guy who writes this stuff. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
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