In 1968 Frank Sinatra recorded the song “My Way”. The song quickly rose in the Billboard charts spending a total of 124 weeks in the top 100. The score, written by Paul Anka, has been covered by Elvis, Anka, and other famous recording artists.
This song, written over 53 years ago, is still popular today in everything from Karaoke venues to Funeral Homes. The lyrics speak to something in all of us. They include reflection, regrets, resolve and a bit of pride.
While filled with a confident approach to whatever life threw his way, the lyrics also show a vulnerability if you take time to peel back some of the layers. If we are honest with ourselves, we all occasionally take on the “My Way” mentality as we approach life’s opportunities and choices.
As we head into our third week of 2022, I believe that this is a great time to put some of our resolutions into perspective so we don’t end this year with more regret.
And now, the end is near, And so I face the final curtain …
My Way by Paul Anka 1968
Mortality is something we all deal with. The younger generation tends to live like they are immortal while the older generation, tends to do everything they can to slow down the aging process. The bottom line though is that each of us only have a certain number of days.
In Job 14:5, we read that “A man’s days are numbered. You (God) know the number of his months. He cannot live longer than the time You have set.”
The question that then begs to be answered is what are we going to do with the days we have? I love Joshua’s proclamation in Joshua 24:14-15:
“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua was challenging the Israelites as they moved into the Promise Land. This challenge can and should also apply to us as we step into this new season called 2022.
Are we willing to put away our idols, the things that pull us away from true intimacy with God, and serve the Lord in sincerity and truth? That might be a good resolution to add to your list.
Regrets, I've had a few, But then again, too few to mention….
My Way by Paul Anka 1968
Sometimes our resolutions for a new year are influenced by failures and shortcomings of the past. While God absolutely wants us to learn lessons from our mistakes, he doesn’t want us to be held hostage by them.
Jon and I have spoken to people who are living out their lives trying to gain the approval of parent and grandparents who are no longer alive.
Paul writes to the church at Philipi, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
As you look at the year spread before you, don’t waste time looking back, instead, consider the possibilities. Let your imagination run wild. God want so much for us and we often choose to settle for so much less.
“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him”
1 Corinthians 2:9
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew …
My Way by Paul Anka 1968
Many times when we are faced with an opportunity, we often hesitate because we’re unsure of our ability to succeed. We let fear paralyze us and subsequently we miss out on what God has planned for us. The Bible is full of examples of those who let fear guide their decisions: Abraham, the Israelite army facing Goliath, Moses, Peter, Elijah, and Mark to name a few. The other side of the coin are those who met their fears knowing that with God ALL things are possible.
David (to Goliath): Samuel 17:45
“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to the King Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 3: 16-18
“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; [p]and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Mary to the Angel of the Lord: Luke 1:38
“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
This year, don’t let fear cause you to miss out on the opportunities that God sets before you. He is with us and has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
I've loved, laughed and cried, I've had my fill, my share of losing ….
My Way by Paul Anka 1968
Loss is a part of life. This past year we have said goodbye to many loved ones and have mourned their loss. Some have experienced loss in terms of their job, a financial set-back, or even a broken relationship. In seasons of loss, we tend to emotionally and physically retreat from the ones who love us the most. This includes our relationship with God when in reality, he is the only one who can truly heal that part of us.
King David, who experienced his own share of loss, disappointment and broken relationships, wrote in Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If the previous year has left you brokenhearted, reach out to God for renewal that is only found in him.
“My Way” is considered a classic song, but it’s not a great way to approach life. In Proverbs, Solomon writes:
“There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.“
(chapter 14:12)
2022 is spread out before us with opportunities and obstacles alike. As you consider your resolutions for the year, consider instead of “My Way”, choosing to do life “God’s Way”.
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