Starting the Year with Grace and Embracing God’s Renewing Power
The beginning of a new year often fills us with hope and anticipation. It’s a natural time for reflection and resolution. For Christians, it’s also an opportunity to refocus on God’s promises and recommit to living in His grace. Let’s explore how Isaiah 43 provides a foundation for a fresh start.
Hope Amid Judgment
Isaiah’s message of hope is set against a backdrop of judgment. Chapters 1–30 highlight Judah’s rebellion and impending destruction. Yet, even in their failure, God offers comfort and renewal. Isaiah 43:18–19 declares:
This promise reminds us that God’s renewing power isn’t tied to our past failures. He offers fresh grace and the ability to walk forward in His strength.
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
This promise reminds us that God’s renewing power isn’t tied to our past failures. He offers fresh grace and the ability to walk forward in His strength.
Should Christians Make Resolutions?
What is a resolution?
For believers, resolutions can be valuable tools for growth, but they should remain grounded in biblical principles. When we talk about making a New Year’s resolution, we don’t mean taking an oath (Matthew 5:33–37; James 5:12). Instead, it’s an opportunity to examine our faithfulness to the Lord and make adjustments where needed.
However, we must be cautious. Resolutions not grounded in God’s Word—and more importantly, His grace—can lead to discouragement. When we rely solely on our own strength, unmet expectations can weigh us down. Galatians 6:9 offers this encouragement:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Grounding our resolutions (intention) in God’s Word and leaning on His grace transforms them from fleeting intentions into lasting commitments. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in faith and obedience, even when the journey is challenging.
A resolution is a declaration of my intention.
“Here’s the way I intend to live.”
For believers, resolutions can be valuable tools for growth, but they should remain grounded in biblical principles. When we talk about making a New Year’s resolution, we don’t mean taking an oath (Matthew 5:33–37; James 5:12). Instead, it’s an opportunity to examine our faithfulness to the Lord and make adjustments where needed.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
However, we must be cautious. Resolutions not grounded in God’s Word—and more importantly, His grace—can lead to discouragement. When we rely solely on our own strength, unmet expectations can weigh us down. Galatians 6:9 offers this encouragement:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Grounding our resolutions (intention) in God’s Word and leaning on His grace transforms them from fleeting intentions into lasting commitments. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in faith and obedience, even when the journey is challenging.
Practical Spiritual Resolutions
If you’re considering resolutions, here are a few areas to focus on this year:
1. Spiritual Growth
2. Family Life
3. Evangelism and Prayer
Let Our Prayers Reflect Our Commitments
As we step into the new year, let our prayers shape our year:
Psalm 16:11 encourages us:
Start this year by anchoring your life in God’s promises. He makes all things new, and through His grace, every day is an opportunity to live for His glory.
1. Spiritual Growth
Which spiritual discipline can you strengthen? Hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on, and doing God’s Word (Jeremiah 3:15; Deuteronomy 17:19; Proverbs 2:1–5; Psalm 119:11; Joshua 1:8; James 1:22) deepen our walk with Him.
2. Family Life
What’s one step to improve your family’s spiritual health? Joshua 24:15 exhorts, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
3. Evangelism and Prayer
Who will you pray for fervently this year? 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s desire for all to come to repentance.
Let Our Prayers Reflect Our Commitments
As we step into the new year, let our prayers shape our year:
- Jesus, be our joy.
- Love, be our language.
- Mercy, be our attitude.
- Faithfulness, be our aim.
- Truth, be our fuel.
- Gentleness, be our actions.
- God’s glory, be our goal.
Psalm 16:11 encourages us:
"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Start this year by anchoring your life in God’s promises. He makes all things new, and through His grace, every day is an opportunity to live for His glory.