Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
A New Year has begun. As 2024 came to a close, we heard from numerous friends who were suffering illness, bereavement, and other challenges. For them the phrase “Happy New Year“ was discordant. Yet the new year is a reminder to us all that the future is more than simply a continuation of the past. Having been surprised by events this last year we now may wonder what surprises lie ahead in 2025.
We are very likely to face the unexpected. These events remind us how little we control. Yet, we are not at the mercy of chance. God is on the throne and sovereignly working out the details of our current lives to fit us for our eternal purpose. Allowing us to make choices, He still has ordained the outcome. And He loves us! We need to Remember God’s promises and His Faithfulness.
So, is there any point in making New Year resolutions? Most people do and then routinely break them. Resolutions remind us that change is possible. We do not have to continue doing the same thing, while hoping for a different outcome. Caught in an addictive pattern? With God’s help freedom is possible! When we are surrendered to His will, nothing is impossible.
The Bible has another word that offers hope of change. It is a word that is unpopular in secular culture. Sadly, it has also become unpopular in many churches. It is the word, “Repent.” It means a change of mind that results in a change of direction. I am often amused to hear people describe someone they care about as having “done a 360.” That is not repentance.
I don’t know what areas of your life you may be struggling with. God does. I urge you to surrender everything to Him. His Spirit will empower you to obey His word. So, plan to spend more time alone with Jesus this year. Reading the Bible and talking honestly with God will do wonders for those who trust Him. Invest the time. We are not going to become more holy that we want to be.
Want to lose weight? Intermittent fasting may be helpful. Want to spend more time in Bible reading? Try intermittent fasting from TV and social media. Child of God, don’t stay stuck! God’s word offers hope. Repent!
Finally, I want to remind you to Rejoice! Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of our feelings, we are commanded to rejoice. God is good all the time and He is worthy of our praise.
