January is melting like a snowflake; each day disappears as the year begins its march of time.  Did you make resolutions for the year? We all long for a new start, a new beginning, and we believe we will behave differently this year and achieve it. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t.

At some point, I started to question the idea of resolutions. They seemed destined to fail. My trouble was defaulting to procrastination or losing focus. When I realized the resolution was a non starter, then guilt or dismay settled in and I didn’t want anything to do with whatever I thought was achievable weeks before. Are you feeling that now? 

Then I learned about goals and that had more meaning to me. Goals seemed to have an unwavering commitment to achieve. But they too carried a daunting nature to them, and encouraged self-focus. Both resolutions and goals put an emphasis heavily on self. Each demands behavior modification that may or may not be achieved. 

Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Finally, the solution for living is found by following Jesus daily. While that may sound like a Sunday school answer, I think it is the only way to crush all defeating thoughts that keep us tied to our flesh and in hopelessness. The verse is about daily life, not a daunting whole year.

The world’s expectation of changed behavior can not offer you the benefit Jesus does. He knows how to love you through hard lifestyle changes. And He is there for you daily to help you. He doesn’t miss a day in your struggle to practice a new way, try a new path, or set a new mindset in scripture. Whatever you want to change now or any day of the year, He is there as your Friend. 

Self-discipline and determination are the keys to success, but those traits are best with the Holy Spirit, who provides strength and comfort toward success. You have the greatest opportunity for any change or transformation as a Christian following Jesus! And the Bible already has every goal you’d desire written for you. Let’s look at just a few~

5 Ways to a Great Year:

1. Be Focused – For the Lord GOD helps me. Therefore, I am not disgraced.Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7
2. Be a Disciple – Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
3. Be Humble –  “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3
4. Be a Servant– “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
5. Be Committed – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

I hope you are encouraged to follow Jesus daily and not lose hope on your transformation in Christ.

    Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentation 3:22-23

©Valerie Rumfelt

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