As much as we might try and deny it, there is a novelty surrounding beginning a new year. The concept of a fresh year ahead of us with nothing bad and the potential of everything good is exhilarating and inspirational. Many of us start the year with resolutions of greatness and grandeur, with the best of intentions to make improvements and changes within ourselves and our lives.
Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one. -Brad Paisley
Research by the University of Scranton has found that only 8% of people actually keep their new year’s resolutions. All things considered, those aren’t very promising odds. Yet year after year, many of us get caught up in the adventure and freshness of the year and can’t help but jump on the resolution bandwagon- even if those resolutions are never spoken aloud.
This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. -Taylor Swift
Midnight comes a goes, and New Year’s Day turns into yesterday. Eventually the realities of life start to sink in, and we realize that this year is really not much different than the last. Our problems haven’t magically disappeared, our habits haven’t changed for the better, and January turns out just like any other month. In the cold light of day, the magical glow of a new year has lost it’s shine- the spell has been broken, and we are left at the beginning of the year with what we brought to the end of the last.
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. -Chinese Proverb
Making positive changes at the beginning of a new year is great, but change takes more than a well-intended resolution. Whether you resolve to eat healthy in January or in August, the time of year makes no difference. What matters is you- your resolve, commitment, and drive to see change in your life. Change isn’t easy no matter when you decide to start.
Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed. -Cavett Robert
Resolving to make positive changes in our lives takes work. If change is necessary, it often indicates that we are accustomed to taking shortcuts or the easier way of dealing with things. Improving ourselves takes time, energy, and strength of character. If it was easy, we would all be living perfect lives. Unfortunately, we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and that can sometimes be difficult.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. -Jesus (John 16:33b)
When we fail to keep our resolutions, when we mess up and our life is suddenly in shambles around us, there is still hope. We don’t have to wait for another new year to make a change. We don’t have to buy a stack of self-help books or binge watch Dr. Phil to figure out how to fix our situations or patch up our lives. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that we don’t have to live in darkness. (John 3:16) We don’t have to live in the shadows of our past mistakes- we can live in the shining light of His favor, with the hope and joy that only He can give.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the Light that leads to life.” -John 8:12
There is a limit to how much positive change we can make on our own. With Jesus by our side and in our hearts, He gives us the power to do and be much more than we could ever imagine. The choice is ours, but the strength and power comes from Him.
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
A relationship with Jesus may not protect us from the consequences of our actions, but it does give us the strength and hope to face whatever might come our way- whether is is from our own doing or a consequence of living in a fallen world. He gives us the power to keep trying when the world tells us to give up, and He is our greatest hope in following through with any resolution we might make.
As this new year dawns, I pray this prayer for you…
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. -Ephesians 3:16-21
If you haven’t experienced a personal relationship with God and are ready to invite Him to be part of your life, I encourage you to check out the resources below, which will explain and guide you through the process. I guarantee this will be one decision you will celebrate for years to come!
https://www.allaboutgod.com/salvation-prayer.htm
http://www.ransomedheart.com/prayer/prayer-receive-jesus-christ-savior
https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2009/02/10/pleading-for-salvation
