New Year’s Resolutions are part of the annual tradition for many of us. The arrival of the new year gives us the opportunity to stop for a moment and plan for a better future. For example, gyms increase their memberships considerably in January with people who want to lose weight or improve their physical condition. I also heard that the divorce rate grows considerably in the first few weeks of the year. Regardless of the wisdom of the purposes, all wishes attempt to pursue a better destiny.
Although it is good to plan and desire to improve with the arrival of the new year, it is essential that we recognize that our life does not depend totally on us but on the Lord who is in control of the universe. Therefore, we must trust, depend on, and seek divine direction in all of our decisions. Only God knows the future and also wants to guide us on the right path.
Proverbs 16 recommends that we trust God to be wise. Proverbs 16:1 clearly reminds us, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.” The Spanish version translates this verse with the same words as a well-known saying: “Man proposes and God disposes.” Only the intelligent pray and rest in the power of God. The following verses show us the path of wisdom:
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord. (2)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. (3)
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. (9)
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. (20)
There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death. (25)
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord. (33)
Since only God knows our future and also wants to lead us on the right path, not only do the wise trust him but also seek to do his will. The Latin expression “Deo Volente” means “if it is the will of God.” In English, we commonly use the words “God willing.” Although sometimes these words come out of our mouths without much reflection, the reality is that they express a profound truth. Absolutely all our plans are not in our hands but in God’s. When we say Deo Volente we recognize that our main priority is that God’s will be done and that we are willing to submit his divine direction.
Why not make our main New Year’s resolution to do God’s will, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else? Why don’t we let our God decide for us and direct our dreams? May God’s will be done in our lives this year and may we always include Deo Volente as part of our plans!
Nota: Puede encontrar la versión en español aquí:
