Ready or not, we are entering a new calendar year. As we make New Year’s resolutions, we are essentially evaluating ourselves. To create effective resolutions, we can start by asking ourselves three simple questions, using our calendars for 2023 and 2024: What mistakes did we make, and how did we learn from them? What did we accomplish this year that we’re proud of, and how did it bring glory to God? Are we willing to let go of anything to focus on something of better value?
Reflection is an important part of the holiday season for many people. By evaluating the past year, we can think about what we want to do better or differently in the future. New Year’s Eve is an opportune time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Reflecting on past and present realities can give us clarity and wisdom for the future.
In addition to reflection, let’s evaluate our shortcomings and bring them to the foot of the cross for confession and repentance. By doing so, we gain strength from the Giver’s fresh grace. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” By relying on the strength of our Lord, we can begin anew with confidence.
Renewing commitments, love, friendships, and faith creates new possibilities. Our God provides unique experiences and opportunities in his steadfast love. As Isaiah 43:19 reads, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Though this context is not a personal promise, it proves that God is in the renewal business.
As Christians, it’s appropriate for us to establish and keep specific priorities and principles as we strive to love and follow Christ. These questions determine sincerity in our New Year’s commitments: Are we sincerely setting God highest in our thoughts? Do we hold him in the highest possible position? Do our resolutions match our priorities? As Jonathan Edwards said, “Being sensible that I cannot do anything without God’s help, I humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.”
Closing out 2023 with honest self-evaluation, reflection, repentance, and renewal offers promise and potential for 2024. By approaching the Lord in humble reliance on His grace, we seek the blessings and the One who blesses. Each year’s passing serves as a reminder of the frailty of life with the breath of a new year – a miracle, a gift given to us. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Debbie Swindell 