New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, we pause to express our gratitude to the Almighty God for granting us a fresh start. A new year unfolds before us, brimming with possibilities. This moment marks a sacred time for reflection and renewal when many of us craft resolutions with the hope of transforming our lives.

After the holiday season, we face the reality of our impulsive spending habits, literally and financially tightening our belts. We commit to healthier lifestyles, promising to hit the gym and banish junk food from our pantries. But the allure of familiar temptations often proves too strong, leading us to veer off our resolutions. We've all been there, haven't we? The golden arches of McDonald's or the tempting aroma of fried chicken from KFC convince us that it's okay to indulge 'just this once.' Before we know it, we're back in the drive-thru, justifying our choices.

We resolve to reduce our alcohol intake, yet the siren call of a glass of wine or a cocktail at happy hour becomes too enticing to resist. Our inner dialogue whispers, "Just this once," suddenly, we realize that our efforts to change have slipped away.

We've all experienced the disappointment of watching our resolutions fade into the background as the days pass. What drives us to set intentions only to watch them unravel? How do we make elaborate plans and yet fail to see them through? These questions reflect the universal struggle between our aspirations and the all-too-human experience of desire. It's a shared journey, and we're all in it together.

Instead of just setting personal resolutions at the start of a new year, it's more meaningful to seek guidance from God about the unique purposes He has in store for us. Our resolutions should align with His divine plans, as this alignment is crucial for true fulfilment. We often need strength and perseverance to pursue what we have committed ourselves to, and the Lord provides this foundational resilience. When our personal goals harmonize with God's overarching plan, we set ourselves toward genuine success and purpose, knowing that we have His support.

Prayer for the New Year

Heavenly Father, today we pause in reflection and seek Your guidance. With open hearts, we ask what it is that You desire for us to accomplish in service to Your kingdom and in love for the world around us.

Remi Dayo-Omole www.remidayoomole.com