It’s New Year’s Day and while many are waking up still groggy (and maybe a little hung over from the festivities of the night before), others have gotten an early start, determined to get a jump start on their New Year’s resolutions.
Making New Year’s resolutions is an annual tradition for many of us. We resolve to lose weight, to exercise more, to cut down on sugar, to read more and watch less TV, to be kinder to others…the list goes on and on. The one common denominator in all this is that most of us end up giving up on those resolutions within a couple weeks.
A study done by Strava, a social network for athletes found most people break their resolutions by January 12. The University of Scranton found only 8 percent of people achieve the goals they set on New Year’s Day.
These are discouraging statistics, but I have good news. Philippians 4:13 promises that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” On our own we are doomed to failure, but “with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 NKJV).
So, go ahead and make that resolution to lose those extra pounds, to spend more time in prayer, or to exercise every day. Then take it one step further and ask Jesus to help you succeed. Come to Him today, acknowledging your own weakness and past failures, and let Him take control. He promises “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37).
The Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Join me today and, like the apostle Paul, resolve “to know nothing” in this coming year “except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
This is the secret to success in every area of your life. If you do this, if you put Jesus first in your life and in your heart, then everything else will fall into place. Give Jesus control today and make this your best year ever!
God bless and Happy New Year!