New Year’s is a time for resolutions. According to Forbes.com only 8% will achieve their New Year’s resolution. That means 92% of those who make resolutions are doomed to fail. So, unless your one of the lucky ones blessed with extraordinary discipline why even bother?
God is a God of “fresh starts.” Each new day with God is a fresh start. (Lamentations 3:22-23) The New Year carries a tremendous opportunity for a fresh start in each of our lives. But are we willing to take it when it seems like the percentages are stacked against us? How can we team up with God and beat the odds as we strive toward the new, fresh, abundant life He promised?
Here are some ideas to help you make a fresh start in the New Year.
Think. Too often we think in worldly terms about our lives. We need to change our thoughts. (Colossians 3:2) What does God say about you in heaven? What is your true heavenly identity in Christ? We need to see ourselves from God’s perspective. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Listen. Be mindful of what you listen to in the New Year. Our ears need to be tuned to the Holy Spirit rather than our flesh. Tune into God’s Word and the promises for your life. Let the voice of God empower your life.
Obey. Break out of your old routine. Stop living on autopilot. Force yourself to take action on what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Don’t just try to clean up the “old person,” live out the “new” person God created you to be. Then you’ll be on the road to transformation.
Be S.M.A.R.T. When you have done the first three on the list then set your New Year’s goals and remember to be S.M.A.R.T. Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
I know change is hard, but GO FOR IT! The New Year is a great time to start. Even if you start small, just start. Small habits everyday lead to big changes. And remember even when the odds are stacked against you, God is on your side. (Jeremiah 32:27) I’m praying for you this week!
Daryl Merrill Jr. is lead pastor of Christian Life Church, Mount Prospect, Illinois. This article first appeared on his blog last weekend.
