New Year, New You

Lamentations 3:22-23, “The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great.”

Wow, can you believe we're already into 2026? How has it been going so far? There's something to be said about turning the calendar to a new year. So many people see it as a time to begin again, turn over a new leaf, make some changes in their lives. Some changes may be long over due, some to help us feel better, be better, become a new version of ourselves. Resolutions to join the gym, change one's diet, break an addiction, form new healthy habits, spend more time with Jesus in prayer, in Bible study, maybe even start going to church. No matter the resolutions made, it always seems when the new year rolls around it's a good time to start. I am not criticizing anyone who has set these goals and wish you all well as you embark on the changes you have set out to make.

     As Christians I believe we can look at the new year a little differently and by applying some simple things to our life daily, find a ‘new you’ in Christ. Let's begin by taking away our resolutions; instead seek transformation by asking God to mold us into His image.

     This transformation can begin with reflection and prayer. You're in a new year, take a few minutes to reflect on this past year. If there are any sins, confess them. Did you see God working in areas of your life; thank Him. Where or when did you make a difference to those around you? Where, what, and when did you use your gifts to uplift the Lord? Did you trust God in all things? Reflect, pause, and pray. Ask the Lord to guide you this year- Haggi 1:5-7. Once you have taken the time for reflection, put the past behind you and reach forward- Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.”

     You are a child of the Lord; you don't have to be a version of your old self. Your identity is in Christ, a new creation- 2 Corinthians 5:17. This new year focus on being a ‘new creation’ in Christ. That can begin when you transform your mind. Not all things that you do are bad, but even the small things can lead to big things. Intentionally change what you consume (media, thoughts, ‘time' consumers…). Let the new you take time aligning your actions, downtimes, and thoughts to God's will in everything- Romans 12:2, “Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”

     This can be achieved when you commit your plans to God trusting His plans and provisions- Proverbs 16:3. Seek God first- Matthew 6:33, love God more- 1 John 4:19. Take the time to deepen your knowledge and love for God through prayer, studying God's Word, and letting God in.

     When we allow the Lord in, seeking His love and mercy, that is when the Lord can begin His work in you- Isaiah 43:18-19. That's when transformation for a ‘new year, new you’ can begin. It's not just about self-improvement and resolutions to do or be better. Let's face it, by years end we have forgotten or even long past broken those resolutions. As Christians, we can make it about Christ in us and how we can become more like Him and less like the world. After all, isn't that our true goal in life?

     Old year, new year. Time marches on and there is no stability in this world as life is always changing. Our stability is in Christ. With all the ups and downs a year can bring, with our Savior by our side working in us, we can find our anchor. Our opening verse is one of my favorites. We will stumble, make mistakes, break resolutions to be better or do better, but despite all that, God's faithfulness and love for us will never change. Each new day is not just another chance to get it right, it's another day for God to work within us, transforming us.

     This year as you look ahead at your blank canvas for the months to come, resolve to let God write your story and trust that He has a good one for you. Make it a goal each day to spend more time with Jesus. Have a happy new year and many blessings throughout this year.

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