The new year is upon us and it always seems to be the time to make new resolutions. As daunting as it may seem, the new year doesn’t have to look so bleak. Why? Because God’s mercies are new every single morning and we have a new beginning every day to start over.
Although it’s good to do frequently, the new year is a good time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and ask the Lord to help us address some areas in our lives where we need help in our sanctification.
No matter how much life throws at us, one thing remains steadfast, and that’s our gracious and merciful Father in heaven. I’m so glad that God holds the world in the palm of His hand and is Holy, Sovereign, and GOOD!
Amen!
New Year Resolutions From A Christian Mom
I know for me, it can be hard taking a look in the mirror when I have to address the sin in my own life. But it’s necessary for us to go to the throne of grace and ask the Lord to help us identify areas of our lives where we need to repent, change and do better.
Hebrews 4:16 says: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Alas, here are my New Year Resolutions From A Christian Mom. I always feel like I am in need of A LOT…however, I want to share my goals with you to humble myself and also give you encouragement because there is always hope in Christ Jesus.
New Year Resolution #1 – Prioritize Jesus:
In whatever I do, I want Jesus to be at the center. Be it in my marriage, parenting, my business, counseling, or friendships, I want it all pointing to Him. There is nothing in this world I couldn’t do without Him.
One thing I’ve struggled with in the past is prioritizing quality time in His Word. I always start off strong, but it tends to dwindle. Spending time in God’s Word must be a priority so that my heart and mind are focused on the Lord and not get distracted by all the things that may attempt to get in the way.
I’ve found listening to the Bible throughout the day helpful and sometimes at night if I can’t sleep. It’s been so nice to keep my mind flooded with scripture! Right now, I listen on my phone or iPad using YouVersion for free. But this year I’m going to try the ESV app for free. This has worked out great for me and I plan on continuing this!
As far as a reading plan, there are many good resources, but I recommend the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan which is also on the ESV app!
Another excellent resource is Matthew Henry’s “Method for Prayer”. Matthew is a theologian who you may be familiar with from his Bible commentary. In this book, he cycles through the “6 parts of prayer” which are adoration, confession, petition, Thanksgiving, intercession, and conclusion. You can sign up for an email series that will send excerpts from this method to your inbox daily.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
New Year Resolution #2 – Be Present:
I’m blessed to be able to homeschool and work from home. But at times work can blend too much into family time. I really need to get my working times sorted out better so that I have more time to focus and be present with my family. This may mean getting up at 4 am to work until the kids get up!
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” – Titus 2:3-5
New Year Resolution #3 – Continue To Stand For Truth:
It’s no secret that Christian conservatism and religious liberties are being attacked on every level by the left. This progressive, Cultural Marxist, Secular Humanist, and anti-biblical worldview is a direct attack on Christ, Him crucified, and biblical truth. Quite honestly, every bible believing Christian should be severely disturbed by this.
If these last few years have taught me anything, it’s that I’m even more passionate about apologetics, which is defending the Gospel of Jesus Christ and speaking God’s truth BOLDLY, no matter the cost.
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” – Psalm 25:5
New Year Resolution #4 – Choose Joy:
If I’m honest with you, I can actually work on all nine fruit of the spirit which is why I find myself praying for my sanctification, quite often these days. Sometimes balancing quality time with my handsome hubby, my crazy, rambunctious precious kids (who typically is running around the house), homeschooling, keeping the house, and my chronic illness can be quite hard at times which makes being joyful difficult primarily because of the amount of pain and discomfort from my chronic illness.
Even when it’s hard to function, life must go on when I have a family that depends on me. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit after all and I want to be more joyful in every area of my life. I don’t want my circumstances to affect my attitude or rub off on others. I choose joy! Lord, help me have more joy!
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” – Psalm 126:2
New Year Resolution #5 – Make More Memories:
I can not tell you how important this one is for me because life happens so fast! I mean, I blinked and my last baby turned 5 and I feel like she was just born! I don’t want to look back and say “man, I wish we had more time to do XYZ”. No, I want to make time to have more memories today, not tomorrow! Because tomorrow is not promised.
So I’m committed to not being boring, or a party pooper. I want to make lasting memories with my family. Even when I’m not feeling my best, instead of being a grumpy, moody mommy/wifey, I will choose joy and make the best of these moments.
“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” – Psalm 59:17
I pray that my honest and raw New Year resolution goals were helpful to someone. Better yet, I pray that it points you to Christ and sheds light on your sanctification as well.
I just know I can’t do life without God’s sovereign grace and mercy and I pray for a better year ahead for these areas in my life!
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I applaud all of this. What great goals! Happy New Year!
Thank you! And Happy New Year to you!