January 2025 - Brenda H Price

Scriptures: II Corinthians 5:17, Lamentation 3:22-23, Galatians 5:22-23, Jeremiah 29:11

Why are New Year’s Resolutions Made?

The beginning of a new year represents a fresh start, offering people a unique psychological opportunity to assess their lives and establish goals for self-improvement. This reflection often centers on areas they wish to change or enhance, such as health, relationships, or personal growth, driven by a desire to start anew and achieve meaningful, positive transformations in the year ahead. Sounds good right?

Biblical Perspective:

From a biblical perspective, the practice of making New Year's resolutions aligns with the innate human desire for renewal and redemption, reflecting a longing to grow and improve. The Bible frequently emphasizes self-examination and the pursuit of righteousness. For instance, 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of becoming a "new creation" in Christ, symbolizing transformation and fresh beginnings. Similarly, Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that God's mercies are "new every morning," underscoring the hope of renewal not only annually but daily. The desire to set goals for improvement can be seen as echoing God’s call for spiritual growth, self-discipline (Galatians 5:22-23), and aligning one's life with His will.

However, the Bible also warns against relying solely on human strength or ambition to bring about change. Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This suggests that resolutions should not just focus on self-improvement but should also involve seeking God's guidance and strength to achieve lasting transformation.

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something, reflecting a commitment to act with determination toward achieving a specific goal. So why are so many resolutions stopped within the first three week? Many people start 21 days fasts, and other religious rituals. These are all personal decisions and are certainly respected and accepted.

However, may I humbly suggest that we try focusing less on things to stop doing and more things to start doing. Meaning, instead of fasting from foods, perhaps we fast to the Word. Yes, it’s always good to take care of our bodies and watch what we eat, but why not try eating more of the Word. Let’s intentionally focus on spending more time reading and studying our Bible, and more time in prayer. Bible study is not based on quantity but quality instead. I realize this may be easier said than done, because as soon as we make this resolution or commitment, we must prepare to avoid all the distractions and things that the enemy (and even people) will use to attempt to hinder us from doing so. Again, Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." When we commit all our plans to the Lord, it is He that will help us establish them. We cannot hold true to our resolutions without first committing them to the Lord. We cannot stay committed to reading our Bibles and prayer unless we first commit our plan to the Lord.

Today, even though New Year’s Day has passed, let’s commit all our plans for the year 2025 to the Lord. He will help us stick to them and may even instruct us differently from the thing WE want to do and guide us into the things HE wants us to do. Either way, we can rest assure it will be good. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God’s plans for us are always good. We can trust him! So, give your New Year resolutions to the Lord in prayer, and let him help you commit to them. Have a great year!