We tend to hate the idea of aging. We complain about extra aches, pains, health, weight gain, and wrinkles. We seem to have less energy each year, dreading the slow decline. However, consider the alternative. With many people dying early due to various heart disease or cancer forms, aging is a blessing and privilege.
With each passing year, we’re given more time to bring glory to God. The Westminster Catechism says that man’s purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Therefore, each year we’re given can and should be our best year ever. Here are some reasons why every year should be our best and suggestions on how to start living through that perspective.
The Bible tells us to number our days.
Moses had a “live each day well” mentality when he wrote Psalm 90:12, which reminds us to number our days so we’ll be present with a heart of wisdom. There’s wisdom in this verse because when we remember that our days are numbered, we’ll be more motivated to live well and wisely. God has already numbered our days, but we don’t know when that number is up.
We may be living with an undiagnosed heart condition or an undiscovered tumor. Our number may be up on our next drive on the freeway, or the morning we don’t wake up. We’re all on borrowed time because none of us will live forever on this earth. Therefore, we should live every day and year as if it’s our last because it could be. That means making each year the best year because, for all we know, we may not get another one to try again.
We’re encouraged to look forward and press on.
If we spend every year regretting yesteryear and “the golden days,” we’ll miss out on the joy of looking forward and pressing ahead. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 that he forgets what’s behind him and reaches forward to what’s ahead of him, pressing toward the goal for the prize of the call of God in Jesus. Paul’s advice to forget about our old lives and failures and focus on what’s ahead and what God has in store is a lesson in forward motion and fixing our eyes on what matters most: pleasing the Savior.
However, we shouldn’t ignore the now, hoping for the future. As we live every day with the realization that God has forgiven us and has hope and a future for us, we can endure the here and now as we look forward to the “not yet,” as detailed in 1 Corinthians 13:12. What are you moving toward and looking forward to? Do you have the goal of the upward call of God in Jesus? If so, you’ll see every year as your best year as you seek to glorify and please Him.
We’re commanded to be grateful.
Gratitude is directly related to our attitude, and our attitude affects our altitude. Are you feeling down about your unmet expectations or circumstances? Consider what you’re grateful for; your spirits and attitude will lift. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re told to give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for us. There’s joy when we’re living God’s will because joy always accompanies obedience. You may not think there’s anything to be happy about right now, but by being grateful for everything you have and are going through, you’re drawing your heart closer to God. Psalms 16:11 says His presence is full of joy.
It’s another year God let us live.
Remember when everyone said 2020 was the year from hell? With a global pandemic, racial riots, mandatory lockdowns, and devastating wildfires that blazed across California, who would’ve called it a good year? However, it was also the year the church rallied, Easter Sunday was broadcast from Central Park, people rediscovered creation, and families found thousands of things to be grateful for that year.
In Acts 17:28, the apostle Paul told the Greeks that we live and move in Christ. What if that were our motto every year, despite what it brings us as God gives us more time on earth, proclaims His forgiveness and grace, and makes a difference for Him? Psalm 118:24 reminds us that this is the day the Lord has made, so we should rejoice and be glad. So, this is the year the Lord has made, so we should rejoice and be glad in it, despite our national, worldwide or personal circumstances. Every year we’re alive is a blessing; we can bless others if we live it well.
How to make this year your best.
One way to make this year your best is to have a measurable physical goal. Don’t set a generic goal to be healthier, eat better, or exercise more. Instead, be specific and start working toward something that will help you live even better each year. Is it time to reduce your sugar intake so your blood sugar level decreases? Will you start a regular exercise plan where someone else can hold you accountable or join you? Perhaps your goal is to walk 1,000 steps daily, or it’s time to catch up on regular doctor visits and listen to a physician’s advice. A measurable goal guarantees that this year will be better than the last, even though you’ll have aged another 365 days.
Another way to make this year your best is to have a tangible spiritual goal. Where do you want to be this time next year regarding your relationship with God? Is it time to find a church home where you can grow in His Word and fellowship with other believers? Perhaps it’s time to get into a small Bible study group when you can foster a deeper relationship with God and other individuals. Maybe you’ll start a daily Bible reading plan, take morning prayer walks, or take evening walks to reflect on your day.
It may be time to drop a sinful habit and take God seriously in His commands. You can do this by surrendering to God’s Spirit daily and choosing His way over yours. As you grow in your obedience and love to Him, you’ll fulfill your purpose and glorify Him. That means you’re growing another year older spiritually, not just physically.
