As we enter this new year, you might be joining others in thinking deeper about ways you can change your life. These transformational steps typically take the form of a so-called “New Year’s resolution.”
What is a New Year’s Resolution?
What is a New Year’s resolution, you ask? It’s basically a goal one sets at the start of a new year — something people aspire to in an effort to change or better themselves. And if you’re a person of faith, you might be considering some Christian New Year’s resolutions to get your year moving in the right spiritual direction.
READ ALSO: Get Inspired With the Best Bible Verses and Scriptures
One of the biggest struggles is how to keep your New Year’s resolutions. So, let’s dive into a list of tips that can help you tackle your Christian New Year’s resolution with perseverance and efficiency:
Creating Spiritual Resolutions
If you’re looking for the best New Year’s resolution, consider starting small. If you struggle with how to stick to a New Year’s resolution, creating a manageable one is absolutely key. So, here are some options for what you can do — and how to keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Make a Commitment for Daily Bible Reading
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
One of the best and simplest Christian New Year’s resolutions is to start each day with a Bible reading. Consider picking up a devotional and working through it.
While it’s easy to slip pretty quickly when it comes to creating a solid New Year’s resolution, making the simple commitment to read for five to 10 minutes before your day starts will help connect you with God in a deeper way.
Christian New Year’s Resolutions: Join a Small Group
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” - Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
As you consider how to make New Year’s resolutions and how to stick to a New Year’s resolution — especially when it comes to spiritual matters — consider joining a small group or Bible study.
These are regular prayer groups and gatherings that help you grow your faith and remain committed to God. If you’re looking to improve your relationship with God, this is a wonderful New Year’s resolution. Plus: these groups hold you accountable and all you need to do is show up.
READ ALSO: 17 Bible Verses About a New Beginning for the New Year
SPIRITUAL Resolution: Love God, Love Others
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)
As we look at other options, consider Christian New Year’s resolutions that encourage you to love others. Make a commitment once a month to volunteer or help out at church or in your community.
One of the best ways to ensure you know how to keep your New Year’s resolution is to choose an organization to reach out to and to connect with that group each month to see what is most needed. This approach helps keep you accountable and connected.
Pray Diligently About Your New Year’s Resolution
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
And last but not least is the most important step you can take if you’re wondering your to keep New Year’s resolutions: pray. Seek God daily as you seek to change your life. Ask for wisdom, guidance and power as you navigate the complexities and challenges.
How to Stick to a New Year’s Resolution
These are only a few of the Christian New Year’s resolutions you should consider this year. But perhaps you’re looking to transform your life in other ways.
Or maybe you’re struggling right now to find the areas where you need to change. Just ask yourself: What’s a New Year’s resolution that will help you improve emotionally, physically or spiritually? Perhaps there’s more than one. Here are some other tips:
Consider Journaling
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” - Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)
What’s a New Year’s resolution you’ll be able to keep? Answering this might depend on your skills and interests, but one area worth exploring when it comes to Christian New Year’s resolutions and the deepening of one’s faith is journaling.
If you’re looking to deepen your relationship with God in the New Year, cracking open a journal and writing your thoughts and prayers can be very helpful. It’s an easy way to focus more deeply on your wants, needs and gratitude — and what you’re learning as you dive into the scriptures.
How to Make Christian New Year’s Resolutions: Make a List
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” - James 1:17 (NIV)
Make a list of your ideal situation in 2020. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to get there? If you’re looking for how to make New Year’s resolutions, this process will help. Then, once you have your list, you can make decisions about which New Year’s resolution to follow.
Remain Committed
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Do whatever you need to do to remain committed to your goals. Planning a daily workout regimen? Consider using a calendar to set reminders. Or, go online and look for groups you can join that will hold you accountable.
Technology is a wonderful thing when it comes to ideas for how to keep New Year’s resolutions and goals in check, as there are many options that can help you.
How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions: Look to Others
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” - Psalm 20:4 (NIV)
Do some Internet searching to read stories of people who have been successful in keeping their New Year’s resolution. We so often hear stories about people who didn’t stay on track, but there’s a lot out there about people who have stayed the course. Read their stories and get inspired!
We hope this list of New Year’s resolution ideas is a helpful guide as you seek to change and grow physically, spiritually and emotionally. Looking for more inspiration? Get inspired with the best Bible verses and scriptures.
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