Resolution or Resolve?


A New Year reflection on what we’re leaving and where we’re going....

This time of year always invites reflection.
As conversations turn toward New Year’s resolutions, I find myself pausing—not so much over what people are resolving to do, but over what has already been resolved.
There’s a difference between the two.
A resolution is a decision aimed at the future. It’s an intention. A hope. A plan.
But resolve is something deeper.
Resolve is settling what’s behind you.
It’s bringing something to completion.
It’s choosing to no longer carry what has already served its purpose.
Sometimes—often, really—what we hope to resolve in the future can only succeed if we first resolve something from the past.

Scripture reminds us that while seasons change, God does not.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
— Hebrews 13:8

In a world that is constantly shifting, He remains steady. Faithful. Unchanging. In our desire to grow, improve, or become more intentional, we often need to come back—not to something new—but to something sure.

I’ve never been one to formally make New Year’s resolutions. But as I look back, I realize I’ve quietly entered each new season by resolving something behind me—laying something down so I could move forward lighter, clearer, and more focused.
Some seasons required letting go of expectations. Others required closing doors, finishing hard conversations, or releasing plans that no longer fit the call God had placed on my life.

Resolve isn’t dramatic. It’s obedient. It’s often unseen. It prepares the ground for what comes next.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
— Isaiah 43:18–19

We don’t outgrow the goodness or faithfulness of God, but we do grow closer to Him when we choose to leave behind what pulls us away. As this new year approaches, I feel both gratitude and anticipation. Parts of my previous year have been unexpected. Some moments were draining. Others required endurance more than enthusiasm. But I can say this with peace: I’ve resolved what needed resolving. Loose ends are tied. Lessons were learned. Obedience was chosen, even when it was costly. Because of that, I’m stepping into this next season hopeful—not because I know exactly what’s coming, but because I know Who is steadying the foundation as I walk forward.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23

This year, my heart’s desire is simple and deep: 
To grow closer to God.
To be more rooted at home.
To remain mission-focused.
To live intentionally where He has placed me. I pray to do this not with pressure or perfection, but with resolve.

So as a new year opens before us, maybe the question isn’t: What will I resolve to do?
But instead: What do I need to resolve—so I can step forward free?


Is there something from the past God is inviting you to resolve before stepping into what He’s preparing next?


Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness that never changes. As I step into a new season, help me release what no longer belongs and resolve what You’ve already made clear. Teach me to walk forward with obedience, hope, and trust in You. Amen.

Until next time, keep following the Plott, and I will be praying for us all. 💛

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