Who doesn’t love a new beginning? Fresh starts are one of God’s precious gifts to us. He makes all things new. But sometimes, when we cross over to a new year, we put a lot of stock in the new year’s ability to somehow upstage and eclipse the previous year. As if the year—in and of itself—has some special power to wipe away the hardships and missteps of the previous twelve months. We want to start fresh, believe for more, and take steps towards healthier choices. So, we make resolutions, declarations, and promises to ourselves that this year will be different. Yet all too often our good intentions fall by the wayside by the end of February.
So, what’s the answer? Giving up resolutions altogether? Absolutely not! This year can be different! Believe it’s true! We can move towards a healthy life-rhythm that’s actually sustainable and lifegiving. Growth and traction in our lives happen when we partner with God in a very active way; we play a part and do what we can do; and God plays a part. And we ask Him to do what only He can do.
Recently on Susie Larson Live I spoke with bestselling author and pastor, Mark Batterson about his latest book, Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less and Accomplish More. In it, he writes:
Can you do it for a day?
There is a simple kind of genius to that question. Why do so many problems remain unresolved? Why do so many bad habits remain unbroken? Why do so many goals remain unachieved? Nine times out of ten, we’re so overwhelmed by the size of the problem or the habit or the goal that we give up before we even get started.
Can you do it for a day?
The odds of success get greater as the time compartments get smaller. If you get it down to day-tight compartments, anything is possible!
Let’s start here. Ask yourself how you want to be and who you want to be when 2021 is in the rearview mirror. What choices today will lead you down that path tomorrow? Can you manage those healthy choices for a day? I believe you can. Then wake up tomorrow with a fresh vision for where you’re headed and do the hard thing again. You’ll be glad you did. You can do it for a day, so start there.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”