1 New Year’s Resolution
It’s the time of year when everyone is making new years resolutions. And this year, I decided I would only make 1 New Year’s Resolution. Here’s why:
Why I’m Only Making 1 New Year’s Resolution
2024 was rough for me. If I learned anything this year, it’s that I can’t do all the things.
One of my long time favorite Bible verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:24. It says, “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”
I love that verse.
I love the reminder that when God calls us to do something, He will enable us to get it done.
But the truth is, God doesn’t call us to do all the things.
The start of the year is heralded by good intentions.
- Pick one word for the new year.
- Read through the Bible in a year.
- Lose some weight.
- Be healthier.
- Read a book a week.
- Start a gratitude journal.
- Memorize Scripture.
- Commit to Bible study.
- Quit a bad habit.
- Make a new habit.
- Get organized.
- Start a journal.
However, while all of those are great ideas, we simply aren’t called to do them all.
Related Post: Why I’m Not Waiting for the New Year
The more we commit to, the more overwhelmed and stressed we will feel.
The more we fill our new year up with shiny ideas, the more likely we are not to follow through.
We set ourselves up to fail.
Just because something is good, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
So this year, I’m learning to say no to myself.
Called by Christ
This morning I woke up to see one of my friends post on Facebook:
“Join me in reading through the Bible chronologically this year.”
My very first thought was: Sounds great! Sign me up!
But then I actually thought about it. I already have a Bible reading plan. I got a new Bible this year and I’m transferring all the notes and highlights from my old Bible to my new one, while reading the Bible cover to cover. I’m still in Genesis and I’m working through at my own pace.
Other friends have posted about their goals for the new year or which word they’ve chosen. And it’s easy to want to jump on board.
However, I keep coming back to the fact that God doesn’t call us to be joiners. Just because He’s called my friend to read through the Bible chronologically this year, doesn’t mean He’s called me to do it.
Here’s what I’m not saying:
I’m not saying you can’t do things together.
The year God called me to read through the Bible chronologically, being part of a group gave me some much needed accountability. Not just that, it offered fellowship with women who were right there with me. We encouraged one another and had some great discussions.
God created us for fellowship with Him and with others. And spending time with others that have the same or similar calling as you is super encouraging. By all means, if God is calling you to pick a word, read the Bible, lose some weight, or whatever it is He has pressed on your heart, do it. Make the commitment. And don’t be afraid to seek out others who are doing the same thing.
However, if God hasn’t called you to do something, I want to caution you against jumping aboard bandwagons. Instead, pray and consider what God wants you to do. Is there something He wants you to do this year, or does He simply want you to be in the moment?
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
When we commit to something God hasn’t called us to, it doesn’t bring us peace and joy, but becomes stressful and depressing.
Related Post: When Best Laid Plans Fall Apart
My 1 New Year’s Resolution
With all that in mind, I have decided only to make 1 New Year’s Resolution this year.
My resolution is to simply lean in to Jesus.
I have no idea what the year ahead looks like for me.
I’ve been battling chronic migraines for almost 8 years. As much as I want to do things, I know I’m not always able to do them. I don’t know if the pain will get better or worse throughout the year to come.
And that’s okay.
I’m also learning it’s better to do things late than not at all.
(Which is why this post was published Tuesday mid-day, instead of Monday morning.)
God’s Calling
This month, I felt God was calling me to start writing daily devotionals again. Nothing long, just short reflections on Christmas related Bible verses. I made it all of four days before giving up. I had an especially painful migraine and wasn’t able to write. So I gave up.
Instead of quitting, God is showing me that even when I stumble, I need to do the next right thing. If I miss a day of writing, that doesn’t mean I can’t write the next day. Instead of writing off my calling because I can’t fulfill it perfectly, I should do what I can.
I have this overwhelming fear of failure. I’m afraid to commit to something, because I know I might not feel up to actually doing it. My head might hurt too bad to follow through, so I avoid making commitments or starting new projects.
However, God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). And, as I mentioned earlier, if He calls us to something, He will make it happen (1 Thess. 5:24)
This year, instead of living in fear, I’m going to lean on Jesus. I’m going to press in to Him, and seek His will for my life.
So, as I lean in to Jesus, I’m committing to writing writing devotions – even if I can’t be 100% faithful. I’ll do what I can.
I’m starting with a devotional series called Mercies New – because that’s what I need most right now. The reminder that God gives us grace when we fall short. If I can’t do something, I can rest in God’s mercy, and do what I can.
Join the Conversation
What is God calling you to do in the coming year?
Have you made any commitments you are already dreading, or something you’re excited about?
Do you have a word or theme for the year?
Do you ever commit to something just because it sounds like a good idea?
Join the conversation in the comments below!
Start Your Day With God’s Grace
Mercies New
God’s mercies are new every morning. It doesn’t matter what’s on your agenda for today, or how bad you messed up yesterday, you can be as confident of that truth as you are that the sun rises in the east. Let the truth of God’s mercy warm your soul and echo throughout your day with this 31-day devotional by Heather Hart.
