Happy New Year Y’all! This is the time of year we think about goals or resolutions for the coming year. I don’t do resolutions anymore because I feel like I set myself up for failure. A few weeks into the new pattern I fall off track and fail to get back up. If that happens to you, I want to encourage you with verses from Scripture.
- “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19). So friend, don’t beat yourself up by dwelling on past failures. God is doing a new thing in you. Watch for it and be aware.
- “Do not conform to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We can change how we think by making a daily habit to read God’s word. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I am amazed that I still learn new things!
- “Love sincerely. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9 my paraphrase). This is a life-long endeavor for me. I am always thinking how I might love better, but I often miss the mark. The good news is that God picks me up when I fall and helps me get back up.
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6). It is hard not to be anxious in our uncertain world, and we often do not know how to pray. Friend, a very powerful prayer is, “Help me, Jesus!” He is always with us and ready to offer comfort and peace in our troubling situations.
- “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment . . .” (Romans 12:3). It can be tempting to let pride take an unreasonable stand in our lives, but God would rather us think of others more than ourselves.
- Be generous. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). These verses have been misused in a health/wealth gospel. Don’t be deceived. Give from the heart to serve God and others, and be mindful of messages about giving to get rich.
- Consider what you are here on earth for. Be a believer who lives on purpose with a purpose. Use the gifts God has given you to know God and to make Him known. People need to know about His amazing love and the abundant life He has for them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for a fresh start on a new year. Help us to live according to your will for our lives, knowing your love us and care about us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 