We are now about one month into the new year. How are you doing on those new year’s resolutions? Maybe you feel like these people:
“I’m exhausted from my yearly visit to the gym on New Year’s Day.”
“My new year’s resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my new year’s resolutions.”
Many of us struggle to keep up with those great intentions we had on January 1st as the new year dawned. Some of us may still be chugging along one month in – but we’re not sure we can keep it up. Others of us don’t even bother – why try keeping resolutions we’ve failed at so many times in the past?
How am I doing on mine you ask? Hey, mind your own business!
I’ve been thinking about our new year’s resolutions in the context of our theme for this school year “No Fear” based on Isaiah 12:2: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Many of us don’t even pursue new year’s resolutions – or quit soon after we start – because it just seems so hopeless. We fear our own failure and how that will make us feel. However, the Bible actually has something to say about that even if it doesn’t use the term new year’s resolutions. You see according to scripture we are a people of hope and possibility – not immutable failure. Hebrews 6:19a says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” And that’s not hope like the way the world thinks of it – “I hope the Jaguars win the Super Bowl next year.” This is a hope that is strong, secure, and guaranteed because of what Jesus has done for us. We don’t have to live in fear of not losing those 20 pounds, or running that half marathon, or being better organized, or kinder to others. You always have hope in the Lord, and He will sustain you. So, if your new year’s resolutions are faltering or off to a rocky start don’t lose hope – keep going! Proverbs 23:18 tell us “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” I’ll see you at the gym 🙂