A Different Resolution

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.”
Psalm 143:5-6 (NIV)

It doesn’t take long for the joy of Christmas to turn to thoughts of the New Year. These thoughts can bring hope or anxiety. But you can stretch out your hands before the Lord, and receive strength for all that year ahead.

As the calendar flips to January, responsibilities resume and resolutions are made (and hopefully kept!). How can you look to 2025 with hope and not overwhelm? You remember that it is only God who gives you the strength, hope and purpose that you need.

In today’s verse, King David faces opposition from outside and anxiety from within. So he comes before God thirsty and empty, exposing all of his human weakness. Instead of making a plan to better his situation, King David just runs to God. 

King David remembers all God had done in the past and trusts Him for help in the future. Instead of looking to his own strength, He trusts in the One who had proven faithful so many times before.

Maybe you desire change in 2025. You desire a closer relationship with God and perhaps personal growth in health, finances or your career. These aspirations are important. But today I want to remind you that your fear and uncertainty will never be alleviated through diets and gym memberships. You must continually go to the only source of true satisfaction and transformation–Jesus Christ.

The key to godly success and lasting joy is not in your abilities and effort, but rather in learning to live in complete surrender and dependence on God. Like King David, believe that your only hope is Christ. He is the source of your strength. He is the reason for your joy. He is bigger than your failures and resolutions. And He is worthy of your praise.

Prayer: Father God, As the year begins, help me turn to You before running to anything or anyone else for help or relief. When I feel overwhelmed or anxious, remind me of Your continual presence through the Holy Spirit. Help me remember Your goodness and give me the grace to look ahead with hope for all that is ahead. For You are already in my 2025 and Your Spirit is working in me to bring about Your good plan. Thank You for it, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.