As we approach the end of another year, I have so much left to do, dreams which have yet to come true, goals still to be achieved. And though I am not guaranteed to live to the end of this day, I find myself setting my hopes on 2022 to be the year I finally reach my full potential and realize my purpose. Of course, this is the same thing I hoped for this time last year; thus, you see a pattern. But instead of giving up and settling for less, I turn to one of my favorite hymns for wisdom and motivation to be resolute and persevere until I see the fulfillment of who God wants me to be.
The hymn, “I Am Resolved,” was penned by Palmer Hartsough at age 52. Having served as a music teacher for over 30 years, Hartsough had recently started writing lyrics for a music company. He eventually became a song evangelist and, at age 62, became an ordained minister, pastoring for over 20 years. Palmer’s lyrics speak of his convictions and are applicable no matter where life leads or how long it takes to figure it out.
Palmer wrote,
I am resolved no longer to linger,
charmed by the world’s delight;
things that are higher, things that are nobler,
these have allured my sight.
Understand the importance of one thing—a sole focus that drives you regardless of unforeseeable circumstances, distracting detours, or situations beyond your control. Rise each day to take action, to move toward the realization of your pursuit.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:2 (KJV), “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Paul was willing to pay a high price for selling out to Jesus. Likewise, when we choose to follow Christ, He becomes our focus, our one thing. Everything else fades in comparison to Him.
The second and third verses say,
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true one, He is the just one,
He has the words of life.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
It’s essential to be accountable to someone who will listen and offer sound advice, someone you can trust, and who will be lovingly honest with you—a mentor or trusted friend. Resolve to build friendships and be part of a community of like-minded people who aspire to the same greatness as you.
Spiritually, where do you go, to whom do you turn to unload the guilt, hurt, and shame attached to wrong choices, harmful decisions, and sinful actions? Only the blood of Christ can cleanse and forgive our sin. Only the Bible offers godly counsel to help us navigate this life. Only the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go to help us make successful decisions.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
My friends would tell you that I rely too much on my GPS to give me direction. I rely on it mainly to show me areas with heavy traffic to avoid those roads. When it comes to goals and dreams, you must know where you’re going, and it’s nice to know the path of least resistance. You must be determined not to be deterred or detoured by friends who oppose your ideas.
Philippians 3:14 reminds us to press on toward the goal to win the heavenly prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Daily resolve to enter the kingdom, set your compass, follow the roadmap that God has given us that will keep us on His perfect path.
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay;
taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
we’ll walk the heavenly Way.
I will hasten to Him,
hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.
In Matthew 11:12, Jesus stated that “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, said, “Those who would enter into the kingdom of heaven must strive to enter; that kingdom suffers a holy violence. Self must be denied; the bent and bias, the frame and temper of the mind must be altered. There are hard sufferings to be undergone, a force to be put upon the corrupt nature. We must run and wrestle and fight, and all little enough to win such a prize. The violent take it by force. They who will make their calling and election sure must give diligence.” I want that kind of determination in my life goals and my relationship with Christ. I am resolved. Please join me.
