New Year’s Eve tends to cause people to reflect on the past twelve months and identify the challenges but also the good things that happened in their life. As a congregation, we had this verse before us (Nahum 1:7) “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” This allows one to reflect on how God has remained faithful and compassionate toward them, [Lamentations 3:23-24; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 116:5]
As one looks to the new year, our desire may be to challenge oneself to do better in many areas like putting God first, or bringing glory to the Lord in whatever you do and set your mind on, and finally to let Him be your guide. New Year’s resolutions are not new to individuals. A study in 2016 found that 41 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but by the end of the year only 9 percent claimed success in keeping their resolutions.[1] It usually includes making a list of things to complete in the coming year that may include developing new habits and things you want to change or do.
For Christians it can be an opportunity to grow in God and serve Him better.
Well, how can one accomplish this?
Read the bible. (Romans 15:4)
Look for opportunities to abide in Jesus (John 15:4)
Focus on growth in faith and obedience (2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 John 5:3)
Seek to be light in the world (Acts 13:47)
In the new year, pray that reading the Bible be a new spiritual habit you incorporate into your daily life. You will see your faith impacted in powerful ways as you study and learn God’s word. In the new year, we can seek ways to serve regularly to help others, use our gifts, and make a needed impact in the world for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10).
As you look to set goals in the new year, consider spending more time with God. Ask God to show you how you can make more time for Him. This time with God will give you rest, peace, hope, and wisdom.
Pray that God will reveal ways that you can become more mature in your faith. By devoting your heart to God, reading the Bible, being with other believers, and spending intentional time with God, you can grow spiritually mature in your faith this year (Hebrews 6:1).
Mindful moments
The idea for a blog “Mindful Moments” was born to educate as a first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. Topics will blend mindfulness, selfcare, neuroscience, physical and spiritual actions to manage and cope with daily chaos in our lives, using biblical and secular approaches to bring encouragement and hope.
Mabel Martinez-Almonte
MA, OTR/L, NCC
[1] “New Year’s Resolution Statistics (2021 Updated),” Discover Happy Habits, July 21, 2022.
Bible Study Tools article by Pamela Palmer
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not to be perceived as professional or medical advice in regard to health or finances, or any other field.