My Resolutions and God’s Covenants
At the start of the New Year, I am hopeful: This will be the year I stick to my resolutions. And yet, somewhere between the optimism of the New Year and the grind of everyday life, those well‑intentioned commitments begin to slip. The gym shoes gather dust. The overindulgence of Christmas food continues. The habits I was determined to break re‑establish themselves.
It’s not that my resolutions are insincere, it’s that they are human. They are made with hope, but also with limitations. I’m forgetful. I’m inconsistent. I get tired, distracted, overwhelmed. Come February and my intentions are falling short.
But that’s why the idea of covenant hits me so deeply. Covenant is not a resolution. A resolution is something I try to keep. A covenant is something God Himself keeps. The Bible verse on the back cover assures us that God is faithful and ‘keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations’. While my resolutions depend on my discipline, His covenant depends on His character. Where my resolve is fragile, His faithfulness is unshakeable.
In this edition, we feature the graduation and commissioning ceremonies of the Keepers of the Covenant, Ngā Kaipupuru i te Kawenata session (see page 8). These newly commissioned officers of The Salvation Army have been entrusted with a sessional name that calls them to be guardians and keepers of the covenant they have made with God. Throughout the celebrations over Commissioning weekend, those graduating and covenanting were encouraged to lean on God, to trust Him and to keep the faith, no matter the circumstances.
Their commitment will require reliance on the covenant-keeping God they have promised to serve. Their human inability will be underpinned with His reliability. Just like my failed resolutions remind me that I cannot transform myself by willpower alone, every covenant God makes is a declaration that He will do what I cannot. He keeps His word when I fail mine. He holds steady when I waver. He completes the work that I only just begin.
And, beautifully, the covenant is not based on our perfection but on His steadfast love. Perhaps the real invitation, for the graduates and for me, is to rest more deeply in what God has already promised, already secured and already begun.
My prayer for the graduates this year—and every year they serve—is that God’s unbroken covenant will shape every step they take. Because while we may struggle to keep our resolutions, God always keeps
His covenant.
The magazine can be viewed either as an online magazine on Issuu, or the bulk of the articles, leadership links, news, and shorter reflections (Grace Notes) have been added into their various sections.
I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and also your photos, letters, crafts and stories. Please email: [email protected]
Magazine Contents
Articles
Graduation and Commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant, Ngā Kaipupuru i te Kawenata session
Leadership Links
Faith Stories
Moses in the wilderness—living a life of constant change
