New Year's Resolutions

You might be thinking, "Oh no, not another New Year's resolution post!" But since you still clicked on it—welcome! Let’s take a different approach this year.

The new year is approaching, so it's natural to reflect on the past and look forward to a fresh start. During this time, New Year’s resolutions often take center stage, offering a chance for growth, change, and improvement. There's something about the turning of the year that sparks energy and possibility, making everything feel like it’s within reach. It’s a time when the potential for change feels both exciting and full of hope.

For others, it comes across more like pressure—everywhere you look, people are talking about their 'new selves' for the New Year, Instagrammers are reminding you of their resolutions, TikToks are being made for ideas, and even the newspapers and magazines usually give it a page or half a page while you're just trying to get through the day.

Wherever you find yourself, I’m certain there’s something here for everyone to take to heart.

Let’s Look at the Positive Effect of Resolutions:

At their best, New Year's resolutions can be a powerful tool to help us reflect and live more consciously. They encourage us to set goals, often leading to a clearer sense of purpose and direction. The simple act of defining what we want to achieve can ignite a sense of motivation and hope, creating a mental reset that inspires us to take action.

When approached thoughtfully, resolutions can promote personal growth. Setting specific goals - such as improving your health, learning a new skill, or fostering better relationships - provides an opportunity to develop self-discipline and build confidence.

Resolutions can also provide a sense of community. Sharing your goals with friends, family, or support groups creates accountability and offers encouragement. The journey becomes less isolating when others are cheering you on or pursuing similar changes.

The Challenges Resolutions Can Bring

Despite their potential, New Year’s resolutions aren’t without their pitfalls. One common issue is setting unrealistic expectations. In the excitement of a new beginning, it’s easy to aim too high or spread ourselves too thin. When these lofty goals go unmet, it can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and feelings of failure.

Research suggests that a significant majority of people struggle to stick with their New Year’s resolutions. Studies have shown that about 80% of resolutions fail by February, and only 8-9% of people successfully achieve their goals by the end of the year.

Another challenge is the short-lived nature of motivation. The energy that comes with a fresh start often fades as routines set in and obstacles arise. Without a solid plan or sustainable habits, resolutions can quickly fall by the wayside, leaving us discouraged.

The pressure to “succeed” can also turn resolutions into a source of stress rather than inspiration. This all-or-nothing mentality—where even small setbacks feel like total failure—can make it difficult to persevere.

Reframing Resolutions in Light of God's Calling

I promised a different approach. Honestly, most New Year's resolutions are all around us. Yes, I believe that eating healthier, working out, setting goals like being more disciplined, etc. are all important for our lives - after all, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. But sometimes we get our priorities out of balance. I think frustration often comes from trying to do everything ourselves and forgetting to involve the God to whom we've given our lives. Giving our lives to Him is a profound commitment - a powerful declaration that's easy to say but much harder to live out.

"Your will be done, not mine," is a reflection of Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

As followers of Jesus, our heart desires to do as He has said:
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38 NIV)

My husband and I usually set aside 24 hours for prayer as we prepare for the New Year. I know others who do this in the middle of the year or at a time that feels right for them. I believe the exact timing isn’t what matters most—it’s about finding what works best for your situation. If your family should postpone and choose a different time, that can be even more meaningful. What counts is creating space for reflection and prayer when it’s healthiest for everyone involved.

To kneel before God, to be in communion with Him - not just in a particular moment, but as a regular, intentional habit - is deeply powerful.

During this time we've received incredible words: words to move or stay, to make changes or step into new territory. Words to take into prayer for the coming year, wrapped in the indescribable peace that only He provides, intertwined with His unfailing love, heavenly.

The miracle is that we both came with pieces of a larger puzzle or shared the same word for this season. These moments alone with our Abba are treasures to be cherished.

Last year, we received that we needed to close a door for a new one to open. We knew that our time at Barcelona church was coming to an end, and this was His confirmation of it. His peace was undeniable. And moving forward, though we didn’t know exactly what we would be doing, we knew that stepping out was still an act of faith. We remember the previous times when we obeyed, and this time was no different. Months later—later than we'd liked—but resting in His provision and guidance, we received the next words for our journey.

We’re right in the middle of this very change, and at the start of another time set apart to seek Him. We’re eager to hear from Him, knowing we’ll never regret following His lead. It’s the best place to be—even if it’s not always easy or comfortable. But we’ve chosen to make Him our home, and we’re learning that adjusting to His ways takes time.

Living for Him is the absolute best. If you’ve never made that decision, do so now.

Living for Him: The Best Resolution of All

If you are contemplating your New Year’s resolutions, why not start by giving your life to Him? Not as a resolution you need to keep up with but as a relationship to draw closer to Him. The more you fall in love with Him, the more His ways become your heart’s cry.

Here are a couple of biblical New Year resolutions. Though I do not like the word "resolutions," I believe our resolutions should be more than just goals; they should be rooted in faith, seeking God’s will for our lives.

• Love God with All Your Heart
  Matthew 22:37
  "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’"
  Make this the year where your love for God is reflected in every corner of your life. Seek Him first in your decisions, cherish His presence in your day-to-day moments, and let your heart overflow with worship.

• Love others as yourself
  Matthew 22:39
  "'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Let this year be a journey of loving others with intention and grace. Whether in small gestures or great acts of kindness, reflect the love of Christ through your actions.

• Trust in God’s Guidance
  Psalm 37:5
  "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."
  In every decision, trust that God will guide you in the right direction. Your resolutions are His to shape.

• Do All for the Glory of God
  1 Corinthians 10:31
  "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
  Let your resolutions reflect your desire to glorify God in all things. No goal is too small when it’s done in His name.

• Seek Transformation
  Romans 12:2
  "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
  Let this be a year of spiritual renewal. Seek His will, and allow your heart and mind to be transformed.

• Pursue Godliness Above All
  1 Timothy 4:8
  "Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
  While personal growth is important, prioritize godliness. Make your spiritual growth your primary resolution.

There are so many things I wanted to add. Yes, eat healthier, exercise, and pick up a new skill—but don’t try to tackle it all on your own. Seek Him first. When He is at the center, He will guide you and strengthen you in ways beyond what you could ever imagine.

May your New Year overflow with a fresh, deep relationship with Him, your King. No goal is too big or too small when laid before His throne. Happy New Year!