In a few days, we will be in 2024. Many of us probably have written down our New Year resolutions, but some of us do not care about New Year resolutions. Either way, we are all anticipating the new year. But there is one thing that is true this coming new year: the God who takes care of us this year will also take care of us this coming new year. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same as yesterday, today, and forever." Our God is timeless. As a result, we can always rely on Him. God exists outside of our time, but He relates with us in our time. For some of us who are goal-oriented, having New Year resolutions helps us to focus on this coming new year. They help us prioritize what we want to do or accomplish this new year. Some of us may prioritize our health, financial status, family, or new opportunities in life. All these things are good, but let us not forget what really matters in our lives. Our relationship with God gives us stability in our souls, for He is the only one who can truly satisfy the longing of our hearts. God is the one who provides everything that we need, and He is the one who holds our lives in His hands.
James 4:13-15 says, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" Let us prioritize our relationship with God this coming new year, and everything else will follow according to His will. So, how do we prioritize God this coming new year? Let us spend time with Him in prayer and His Word. Let us go to church if we haven't been in church for a while. Let's get back to the fellowship of believers. Having daily devotion is a good start to getting back to God. We can be more consistent in our devotional time and let God speak to our hearts and obey what He says.
Let us prioritize our relationship with God this coming new year. He is the only one who can make our lives secure. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Where is God in my New Year's resolutions? Why is it important to prioritize my relationship with God this coming new year? How do I prioritize my relationship with God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, in this coming New Year, would you please help me to prioritize my relationship with you? You are my sustainer and security. You are the only one who can give me peace and satisfaction in life. Please teach me to walk daily with you. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.