Out with the old and in with the new! Looking back at my life, as many do at this time, my life is marked with the changing of the years. Many start the new year with a resolution or a commitment that so often end in failure before January is even over. It is a rare occasion that we hear of someone who actually kept their resolution and succeeded in their goals. I have even found myself failing in the things I set my mind to. I’ve pledged along with so many to exercise more; to eat healthy and many more that I’m sure I have just forgotten. But this year all of us can do better and all of us can pledge our energy and life to something that will cause real change in our lives. For those of us who have put their faith in Christ, we can make our commitments or resolutions as an act of worship to our God.
Look at it this way. So often the reason we fail is because we don’t have someone holding us accountable. Many people make resolutions with others like those listed above, but as the weeks go on, each person begins to grow weak and tired, and that accountability falls short because, if we are honest with ourselves, we are weak and need someone to carry us through.
In Matthew 28, at the very end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus lay out instructions for his disciples. But at the very end he leaves them with a very encouraging word.
…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
Jesus has promised, he will always be with us. He will never leave us hanging. He is strong, not weak. He keeps his word. He walks with us, keeps us going, whispering in our ears when the going gets tough that he isn’t going anywhere. People will let you down. You will let yourself down. But trust in Jesus this new year and he will carry you through. No matter what your goals are in this new year, or if just want a fresh start—Jesus will be there with you at the beginning, in the middle, and with you as you cross the finish line.
May God bless you this new year. May Christ be glorified among his people in this new year!
—Bro. Jesse