A Potentially Powerful Moment For You
It’s January 1st, so let me ask you…what’s your resolution? Diet and exercise? Be nicer to people? Spend more time at home with the kids? Eat less donuts? Start reading these emails?
I joke every year about how seldom we actually follow through on our resolutions and how we tend to reach for the stars even though we’re having trouble reaching our shoelaces. But while I do think we should be more realistic, choose one (or maybe two) measurable goals to run after, and couple our resolution with a well-thought-out plan, I also think this is a potentially powerful time of year each year.
Resolutions can be daunting, but they can also be a gateway to something deeper—if we invite God into the process. Any time you take time to reflect, celebrate what God has done, and get honest with yourself about things you feel you need to work on, it’s powerful! Don’t underestimate a moment of reflection, especially when it’s coupled with prayer. Scoff if you want, throw friendly jabs at the serial resolution-makers who don’t make it a week, but don’t miss this opportunity.
Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself and those you love, as well as one truth to reflect on:
Reflect on 2024 and ask yourself and those you love: How has God blessed me in 2024? Take your time. Write some things out if you want. At least name them out loud to someone. And then spend time thanking God.
Think about 2025 and ask this: What does God want me to change in 2025? You could also phrase it these ways – Where is God leading me? How does Jesus want me to be more like Him? What areas is the Holy Spirit inviting me to work on (with Him)?
But you need to spend some time on it and get specific. Don’t leave things vague. Narrow it down to one or two things that God is leading you towards, then seek wisdom from a wise friend on how to move forward.
Suggestion: If you are a Christ-follower that currently does not have an established habit of spending time with God in prayer and in His Word daily, then I’m confident that is where you should focus. In fact, I would go so far as to say this – establishing that daily time with the Lord should be your only major goal for 2025. There are tons of resources out there to help you do this, but if it would help you at all, you’re welcome to join my wife Erin and I in our daily Bible reading plan. Click here if you’re interested.
Here's the truth: December 31 you is no different from January 1 you. This whole “new year, new you” idea is one we should be careful with. The reason is because it sets you up for failure. Significant, worthwhile change comes slowly. It takes commitment, patience, and perseverance. And most importantly…
Real change only happens by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you.
It’s that process the Bible calls “sanctification.” It doesn’t happen overnight. The truth is, it’s a new year but you’re the same you.
But here’s some good news: God hasn’t changed either! He’s still faithfully working, sovereignly guiding, and lovingly pursuing. Even if you’ve failed running after God-given resolutions in years past, He’s pleased with your desire to grow in Him, become more like Him, and accomplish the calling He’s placed on your life.
So, let’s reflect. Let’s pray. And let’s run after Jesus together in 2025.
Here’s my prayer for your new year: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)