Before moving forward into 2021, let’s take a quick trip back to the 1300’s. Here we find one of the earliest definitions of “resolution,” taken from a Latin word meaning “a process of reducing things into simpler forms.”

Over the centuries, the word’s usage and meaning changed and evolved.  But if we consider that early definition, we may very well get to the heart of what we truly desire in its “simplest form,”  the greatest “resolution” for 2021 and beyond: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).  

It’s no wonder that David concluded this psalm ~ this declaration of both the glory of God as displayed by His handiwork and the perfection of His Word as experienced by the one who receives it ~ with this simple prayer to be pleasing to Him.  

Maybe we could use a little simplifying ourselves as we consider all that is in front of us in the shape of a New Year.  As we’ve seen His glory, experienced His goodness, received His comfort, and been sustained by His faithfulness, may we, too, proclaim:  Lord, may I simply be concerned with pleasing You!