The Commitment

                                     “Commit your way to the Lord…” (Psalm 37: 5a NIV84)

            Now that the preparations are complete, it’s time to commit to our journey.  As we said in the beginning, commitment is never easy.  It always requires surrendering some part of ourselves.  It will require time, which is probably limited.  It will require focus despite our busy schedules, and it may require sacrifice as we give up something to carve out the time and energy needed to complete the commitment.  However, committing is crucial because, without it, something will always distract or interfere, taking us off course.  Making time for God is the first and most important step in this journey.

            Here are some suggestions that might help to keep you on track.

1.    Don’t take the journey alone.  When making a commitment of this magnitude, it’s important to have someone to spur you on and help you stay focused.  I suggest that you recruit a prayer partner who will join you on the journey, praying for you, holding you accountable, and helping you to maintain your focus.

2.    Consider fasting.  Generally, when we consider fasting, we think of giving up food for a designated amount of time.  Before I lose you completely, please understand.  I’m not suggesting that for this journey to be a success you need to give up food for thirty days although that could be one possibility.  However, I do suggest that you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in determining what one thing you might give up for the next thirty days as a symbol of your commitment to God and as a reminder of your focus and commitment.  Perhaps it will be one meal per day, or television, or something else that might distract you from your commitment.  Whatever you choose, it should be something so prominent in your life that its absence will be a significant reminder of your commitment. 

3.    Spend time in God’s Word.  While prayer is the focus of this journey, it must go hand in hand with the reading of the Scripture.  Meditate on it.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it.  Consider how it applies to your life.  Memorize it.  The Bible is God speaking to us.  Never underestimate its power or its ability to speak directly to you. 

4.    Don’t lose sight of the ultimate destination of this journey which is to experience intimacy with God.  In the next thirty days, you are not just seeking to fulfill a commitment, you are striving to develop a new way of life.  You are beginning a new, in-depth walk with God.  Don’t focus on the end by counting the days until the commitment is complete.  Focus on the beginning as you look to see how God works and moves in your life.  I think you will be overwhelmed by what you see and experience!

5.    Make the commitment in writing.  This is a commitment between you and God, so no one else needs to see it, although you may want to share it with your prayer partner.  There is always something more demanding about a permanent record, and this commitment is not to be taken lightly.    The commitment does not begin for at least twenty-four hours, so take that time to pray about the commitment.  Never forget that this is truly a commitment to God alone.  If you find the courage to make it, He will honor it! 

Buckle up!  The journey is about to begin!  Tomorrow, January 31st, I’ll post a few additional reminders and encouragement. Then, look for the first post for the journey on February 1.  

As you travel this journey, I hope you will use the comments to let me know how you are doing and ask any questions.  I’ll be praying for you!

 

Psalm 46: 10

Romans 12: 2

James 4:8

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