For the “doers” among us, a New Year’s resolution can be motivating, even comforting really. We can do all the necessary things and make the resolution happen. Unless we can’t. What do we do about those things left… unresolved?
There’s nothing wrong with a good resolution. In fact, we see resolutions being actively made in the Bible multiple times. A few examples include the following:
- Daniel resolved not to eat the fine food of the Babylonians. (Dan. 1:8)
- David resolved not to sin with his mouth. (Ps. 17:3)
- Jehoshaphat resolved to seek the Lord. (2 Chr. 20:3)
- Paul resolved to strive for relational harmony. (2 Cor. 2:1)
- Paul resolved to go to certain places for ministry. (Acts 19:21)
In fact, even God makes resolutions — both for wrath and for good. (ex: Ezek. 20:13,21; Zech 8:15) So, without a doubt, resolutions can be helpful and even godly, especially if they involve disciplines that lead us toward righteousness in our lives.
But the very idea of a resolution implies working toward a solution. I mean, it’s part of the word, right?
- We might resolve to exercise more — and we can find a fitness solution that works.
- We might resolve to eat healthier — and we can find a recipe app that helps.
- We might resolve to do more as a family — and we can say “no” to certain commitments.
- We might resolve to make a career change — and we can pursue the proper training.
- We might resolve to have a consistent prayer time — and we can set our alarms a little earlier.
Some problems have solutions. Some goals can be achieved. Or rather, some resolutions can be resolved simply by being, well, resolved in our approach to them.
But for many, there are situations or circumstances that have no simple solutions. Sometimes the greatest longings of our hearts — the things we’d most like to see “solved” — are the very things that we cannot resolve our way out of.
You can’t resolve a medical diagnosis away. There’s no simple solution for a broken heart; there’s no app that will fast track the process of grief. Making a resolution to be married or pregnant by the end of the year may lead to disappointment. Restoring certain relationships isn’t always possible (or wise). And as much as we’d like to, we can’t resolve for Jesus to come back in 2025.
It’d be nice to create a resolution for everything, wouldn’t it? Neat and tidy. Check the boxes. Get it done. Get it resolved.
But, friend, we can’t. Because, guess what? Successful resolutions come down to one thing: Control. We have a measure of control regarding our eating, our spending, our calendar — so yes, make godly resolutions in those areas. But we have no power to resolve things that are out of our control. And there are so many things outside of our control.
For all the examples of “resolved” people in the Bible, there are just as many (or more) instances when there was no possible way to resolve a way out:
- Naaman was powerless to solve his leprosy. (2 Kings 5)
- Naomi couldn’t five-step her way out of overwhelming loss. (Ruth 1)
- Year after year, Hannah couldn’t resolve to have a baby. (1 Sam. 1)
- When faced with a vast enemy, Jehoshaphat had no idea what to do. (2 Chron. 20:12)
- David showed integrity toward Saul but had no resolution in the relationship. (1 Sam. 24, 26)
- Simeon knew that he’d see the Messiah but had no control over when. (Luke 2:26)
No resolutions could solve any of these situations. Each individual had done all they could do. And still things remained … unresolved.
Some of you feel the weight of the unresolved deep in your bones this New Year. You’ve done all you can do. You’ve checked the boxes. You’ve prayed the prayers. You’ve sought the healing. You’ve made the plans and consulted the books. You’ve reached out. You’ve given it your all.
If that’s you (and really, it’s all of us at some point), there’s only one resolution that you can make: Stop resolving. Stop trying to “do” your way out. That sounds flippant — “oh, just let it go, there’s nothing you can do.” But look further at the unresolved situations above, and see what God does.
- He restores.
- He redeems.
- He blesses.
- He fights.
- He honors.
- He reveals Himself.
Friend, don’t read this for what it’s not. I am not saying that if you “let go and let God” all your problems will be solved. The Bible never, ever promises that. In fact, it promises that hardship and trouble are a part of life. (John 16:33) That’s right — there are some things that will never be resolved here on earth. For the doers and the fixers and the resolvers, that can be torture.
Or, it can be what it has to be: Trust.
We have no power to heal, but we can trust that one day every disease, sickness, and heartache will be restored by the Healer. We have no control over others, but we can trust that God is working even painful things for His good. We have no say over timing, but we can trust that God’s timing is best.
When there’s nothing for us to do, we can trust that He’s doing something. He sees. He’s solving. And best of all, He’s in control. “But the sovereign Lord helps me, so I am not humiliated. For that reason, I am steadfastly resolved; I know I will not be put to shame.” (Isa. 50:7)
I wish we could solve everything with a New Year’s resolution, don’t you? But we can’t…and that’s okay. Because we can know the One who eventually promises to make all things right. So, let’s resolve to trust Him with all the things we have to leave unresolved.
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