The beginning of a new year creates a special excitement and expectation of hope for a better future. It is cathartic and liberating to review and reflect on the past year as we commit ourselves to a better new year and better life. We have all made New Year’s resolutions – eat healthy, exercise more, become organized, save more money, spend intentional time with family and friends, reduce time on social media, dwell in the Bible regularly, etc. We all want to improve our lives, and the new year gives us an excuse and permission to begin.

However, the reality remains that most people fail within the first few weeks. While we pledge to cast off our failures and shortcomings as we make resolutions in earnest anticipation to move forward, when the motivation of meeting new goals meets the realities of ongoing day-to-day struggles, we inevitably fail if we don’t actively change our attitudes, behavior and time management on a day-to-day basis.

Why Wait?

Here’s the thing: we don’t have to wait until January 1st to set a new year with new goals for ourselves. Why hold off until a new year is observed to begin anew in areas that need improvement? We can start fresh habits (and break old ones) whenever we desire – and make conscious efforts to do better from that day forward.

From a spiritual perspective, the most important new beginning is that of becoming a disciple of Christ – a Christian. In fact, a fresh start with and through Jesus is emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”

As Christians, what are some ways we can honor God with our active resolutions?

Asking God to Bless Our New Beginnings

Expect the best in your fresh start, knowing that God is good. In humility, ask Him to bless you, to help you when you are weak and to give you grace in moments when you need to start over. Oftentimes when we fail, we become downtrodden and discouraged from pressing on. Simply asking God to bless us and help us in our active and intentional renewal of mind, heart and soul sets us up for baseline success.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Putting Away Our Old Selves and Old Habits

One of the fruits of the Spirit that people so often brush past is that of self-control. And sadly, so many people – even Christians – struggle to practice self-control. Yet, it is a gift we are granted in our salvation and a command we are instructed in sanctification. We must put to death our old ways – habits that waste our time, enslave us and keep us from becoming a light to those around us. Whether sinful, distracting or harmful, we have the ability to turn from these things because God is in us.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Finding Strength in the Lord

Even in our weakest moments, God is with us, helping us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God, in His immense grace, provides a way out for us when we are tempted beyond what we are able to bear. In this season of life, today, make it a point to turn to the Lord, asking Him for strength. We always need His strength – and He is willing to give it to us.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Now is the Time to Take Action and Trust God

The majority of people fail to keep their resolutions within the first few weeks; however, yesterday is history, today is now, and the future is in our hands. We are not helpless, nor are we nihilistic; our lives have meaning, and our actions have purpose.

Even if we have tried and failed, we can restart our personal and spiritual life resolutions and begin a “new year” any time we choose to do so. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, little by little the race is won. We are indeed loved by a gracious God who is generous in mercy and strength. As Christians, we are empowered in our example of newness for others. So, why not start anew right now?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

Guest post by Bob Burckle. Bob is the President of EEM, which has been delivering God’s Word to the people of Eastern Europe since 1961, now reaching 32 countries in 25 languages. Their 2023 Fall “Hope” fundraising campaign aims to provide 800,000 Bibles and other biblical materials in multiple languages throughout the region. Learn how you can help at: eem.org/hope.