I can’t believe that we are about to start another New Year. I can vividly remember the scare we had with Y2K and now that has been 10 years ago!
So, have you decided what your New Year’s resolution will be? Admittedly I don’t bother anymore because by the time January 5th rolls around I’ve already quit. Some of the more popular resolutions are to lose weight, start a fitness program, stop smoking, cut back on sweets, start (or stop) a habit, etc. We see a New Year as a fresh start—a blank calendar page just waiting to be filled with our new plans, goals and dreams. It certainly is not a bad thing, especially for those of you with follow through.
As an aside, I am a bit envious of those of you who can start a new year without looking back. Many professions can’t do that and mine is one—starting next week the Accounting Department will be toggling between not only the previous and current month but also between the previous and current year until our auditors arrive in March. If you ask one of us the date don’t be surprised if we hesitate for a moment.
For those of you who feel like you need a fresh start where your faith is concerned, I have good news for you.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV) Emphasis mine
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deut 31:6 (NIV) Emphasis mine
Is your resolution to have a daily quiet time? Maybe you want to tithe more faithfully. Perhaps it is to attend church more regularly (or begin attending).
When our goals (or resolutions) are ones that honor God and help us grow, we are not left out in the cold alone. When I need to work on a particularly difficult discipline in my life, I have to ask for help every day—sometimes every minute! I truly believe that I am getting help from God but my prayer also focuses me and keeps me on track.
No matter what your New Year holds, my prayer for you is that you will trust and ask God to see you through. May your 2010 be blessed and may your faith be strengthened as you walk with our Lord.