The Power of "I Will"

"I will"

~Psalm 101~ NASB

This morning, my eyes popped open at 3:30 a.m. My attempt to reclaim the restorative benefits of sleep was in vain. So, I chose to rise and take advantage of two sleeping children, a snoring husband, and two still dogs. It is always to my advantage when my 155 pound Great Dane is still.

Rather than moan about the lack of sleep I felt, and think about how tired I would be throughout my day (this temptation crossed my mind several times), I decided to finish my laundry, clean up my e-mail account, and read Psalm 101. 

In the first three verses of this Psalm, the words "I will" is used five times. The psalmist continues with his theme for the remaining five verses. Personal integrity is his goal, and he set his life in this direction by declaring "I will." 

Through grit in my eyes, I was struck by the power of these two little words-I WILL. I wondered what would change in my life if I employed the same tactic and determination of the psalmist. 

Each day we are given a choice on what we will do with our time, circumstances, friendships, marriages, families, jobs, down time, money, our sadness, joys, sorrows, our health, illnesses and diseases, and most importantly we get to choose how we spend our lives. Knowing each decision leads to somewhere, perhaps it is time to choose with intention and power. 

Change does not happen because we desire, but rather it happens when we, like the Psalmist, declare "I will." The direction of your life will follow what you declare.

WAYS TO EMPLOY THE POWER OF "I WILL."

1. I will choose to not get lost in the details of my circumstances, but rather view them through a wide angle that displays purpose. Romans 8:28
2. I will choose to accept the hard assignments in life as my responsibility and steward over them with wisdom. James 1:2
3. I will choose to see God's goodness in the presence of pain. Psalm 100:5
4. I will do the next right thing. Galatians 6:9
5. I will be faithful to employ what I know and trust God for what I do not know. Deuteronomy 29:29
6. I will focus on what is true, pure, honorable and right. Philippians 4:8
7. I will love in the presence of hate. Galatians 6:7
8. I will offer grace and forgiveness. Matthew 6: 14-15
9. I will offer kindness and compassion. Ephesians 4:32
10. I will receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9

What will be your next "I will"? Remember, what you declare will be where you take your next step.

Share with other readers what your next "I will" will be by posting a comment in the comment section.