New Year’s resolutions hold a special place in our culture, even if many are often soon abandoned. The importance of this tradition stems from a few psychological and social factors. The transition into a new year serves as a symbolic “blank slate.” We’re wrapping up an old year and a brand new one is arriving! Having come up with ideas for some exciting new challenges in the old year, we’re anxious to try them out in the New Year! Feeling a sense of renewal and optimism, we believe that this is the opportune time to improve aspects of our lives, which can be powerfully motivating.
Resolutions are typically tied to personal goals which are important for self-growth (forgetting the negatives of the past and looking forward to a fresh start), even if we don’t maintain them, because just setting and striving for positive goals is beneficial for personal development. Too, making and stating our resolutions to others can create a sense of accountability and motivation. It’s simply an ideal time for reflection and self-awareness on what we would like to improve or change for the better…which will encourage introspection in turn leading to evaluating one’s habits, values, and aspirations…which can then lead to greater self-awareness and clarity!
But, since so many well-meant resolutions start too late and end too soon, why don’t we just approach each and every day with this same attitude? It has God’s sanction!
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. So, it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. And it’s good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of His discipline:” (Lamentations 3:22–27, NLT)
So may your troubles in this New Year be as short-lived as your resolutions!
-John Driggers, Spiritual Advisor for Myers-Davis (1/6/25, V7 #1)
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