We’re all sitting around the Christmas dinner table, rattling off our New Years resolutions:
I’m going to lose 20 pounds!
I’m finally going to write that novel I keep dreaming about.
I’m getting a boyfriend, and I just know it.
I sit there, unable to think of a single thing. I mean, sure, there are things I might want to change or do better. But I know the truth: Once I name a resolution, I’m probably less likely to keep it.
Resolutions That Stick
I’m not saying resolutions aren’t worthwhile—they totally can be! But, the thing is, most of our resolutions don’t really get to the heart of what we want or what would really be best for us. What if you lose 20 pounds and still feel just as badly about your body? What if you write that novel and don’t feel any better about your worth? What if you get that boyfriend and realize another person can’t bring you happiness?
What is it we really want when we make a resolution?
This year, my resolutions aren’t about things I will accomplish. They’re about changing how I feel on the inside. Like God’s Word tells us, people look at the exterior of us, but God cares way more about our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
Want to find a New Years resolution that sticks? Find one that focuses on your heart, the core of who you are. And look no further for inspiration. You can find the best New Years resolutions in God’s Word! Take some time right now to read through these resolutions with me, and ask God to show you which resolution could be your focus for this year:
Ask God to show you where your motivations are not honoring to him.
Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me. — Psalm 51:10 (GNTD)
Ask God to help you love yourself the way he does—to look on yourself with compassion when you make unhealthy choices.
Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth!
Let the mountains burst into song!
The Lord will comfort his people;
he will have pity on his suffering people.
— Isaiah 49:13 (GNTD)
Pray for God to help you trust in him, even when circumstances don’t go your way this year.
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. — Jeremiah 29:11 (GNTD)
Ask God to fill your heart with contentment for all you do have. Be kind to your body because he has given it to you! Be thankful for the good things he has given you.
And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. — Philippians 4:11-13 (GNTD)
Pray for the Lord to show you more about the gifts you have to give to the world. Ask God to help you not compare yourself to others. Celebrate and nurture the talents and skills he has given you!
There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. — 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 (GNTD)
