I have never been a big fan of resolutions.  The adage is trite, but true – resolutions are made to be broken.

Many are working on their resolutions for the coming year.  Most resolutions usually look something like this:

• Do something new
• Get a better job
• Lose weight
• Get in shape
• Get out of debt
• Make a difference
• Help others
• Quit smoking
• Quit drinking
• Be positive
• Save money
• Focus on what is important
• Get organized

Even though I reject the concept of resolutions, I am a huge fan of studying areas of improvement.  Most people grow and make gradual changes throughout the year.  There is something invigorating about making new changes in the coming year, however.

The week between Christmas and New Years, I typically spend time evaluating my life and ministry.  For those who are interested, I will use our week to offer some areas of evaluation.

Let’s begin the process with a sentence nestled deeply in the Old Testament.  The Word of God says,

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”

Lamentations 3:40

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God is calling Israel to a time of self-evaluation.  Introspection ordained by the Lord is the only worthy kind of self-study.  Otherwise we become preoccupied with self.

The word “ways” suggests habits or character traits, rather than short episodes or moments.  Thus, the goal to “test and examine our ways” is to consider our character; who we are, and our habits.

The goal of this self-examination – ordained by God – is to return to the Lord.  Self-examination is not to become a better you or a healthier you or a prosperous you or a happier you or a kinder you or a satisfied you.  The goal of God-given examination is to retrace your footsteps in order to return to God again.  Thus, we learn the purpose of our self-evaluation this week.  We want to use our contemplation to identify what caused us to veer away from the Lord in order to return to Him.

Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit to “test and examine” your ways as you return to the Lord.

Tomorrow we pick up with another Old Testament passage.  More than a command, it is a prayer of introspection.