The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. However, you know as well as I, although there can an incredible feeling of freedom and newness associated with the thought of a blank slate, a fresh start that a new year is, calendar wise at least, there is absolutely nothing different that occurs between December 31 and January 1. Why is it too that most new year’s resolutions fail?

Scripture does not discuss resolutions but it certainly contains wisdom related to them. A new year is a terrific time to stop for a moment and contemplate your current day life and ponder on the direction you are considering for your life over the upcoming year.

God does tell us to plan. Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of a diligent man lead only to advantage, whereas every hasty one hurries only to want”, Proverbs 24:27 “Prepare your work outside and make it fit in the field for yourself; afterwards you shall build your house.“

At the same time He also reminds us that He is ultimately the One who is making the plans, Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord prepares his step”, Psalm 37:23 “From the Lord a mighty man’s steps are established, for He delights in his way.”

This includes how life unfolds and the desires in our heart. Psalm 37:4-7 “So shall you delight in the Lord, and He will give you what your heart desires. Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in Him and He will act. And He will reveal your righteousness like the light, and your judgments like noon. Wait for the Lord and hope for Him; do not compete with one whose way prospers, with a man who executes malicious plans.”

So, the vision, the overview, the thoughts on the direction of our life for this next year… ask God. Truly seek Him, read the Bible, walk out your day to day life, humble yourself to check your thoughts and ideas with what His Word says. And then as He places the thoughts in your mind, and as you check these thoughts out with what scripture says, He will stir you to action, and propel you in all the ways only He can.

Although it is something that may take some getting used to, it is the most freeing, exciting thing to seek God and then let things flow! I pray for you to be blessed in the journey this new year! To God be the glory!

With love,
Diane