New Year’s Resolutions and Staying Power

The temptation to set ambitious goals for ourselves at the start of a new year is remarkably appealing; when the reality sets in that most of our ‘goals’ require a significant degree of work and ‘staying power’ over time, our enthusiasm may wane.

What is it about the eve of a new year with all the festivities that creates this sense that anything is possible? And truthfully, this assertion is not altogether false. The falsehood lies in not equipping ourselves with the right tools from the get-go. And the number one tool is our mind-set.

If we ‘believe’ that our goals and dreams are possible, we are a lot further along than if we imagine that it just ‘might’ work out. And if we heed the words of Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established”, we have faith that God is with us on the journey. Our God is the greatest of all the dream-builders. He established the world and the heavens and all of creation through his own works and inspiration. God always has a plan and nothing in God’s time or purpose is ever wasted. Each and every one of us is part of his plan. We count. Our dreams count. Our goals count.

What we need is ‘staying power’. God blesses the desires of our hearts, but it is in God’s time, not our own. This requires perseverance and patience on our part. We must commit our plans to his will, and pray for insight as we take each and every step.

We can rest assure that not a single step we take goes unnoticed by God. He is ever-faithful and we are never alone. And so, as we dream dreams, and make plans, it is our God who sees not only the blueprint, but the final outcome.

It is only by surrendering your heart and dreams to God that you are able to achieve much of anything at all. This is because God knows you better than anyone else. He knows you better than you know yourself. He is the best able to guide your life and help you live your dreams.

Yes, it is tempting to set ambitious goals for ourselves at the start of a new year. Our God understands ambitious goals at the new year or any other time for that matter. But once our goals are set, it is God who gives us that ‘staying power’ to keep going, to keep trying, knowing that it is not our will, but his will for our life that must prevail.

The greatest dream-builder there is, God himself, has us safely in his care. When we are open to his guidance, miracles await, soft like the blush of morning to carry us on to a a new day, a new beginning, a new reality in our lives.

Make your resolutions and tuck them gently in the arms of our Lord, trusting in his mercy and abundant love. There you will find grace and hope, and you will find that ‘staying power’ you so desperately need to build your dreams day by day.

Linda Raha is a Christian writer who has kept a journal for a great many years. The journal entries are a mix of poems, reflections, and anecdotes on any number of topics. For Linda, the theme of the sea is a recurring one. Her love of the ocean and spending time there manifests itself in much of what she writes.
2 comments
  1. Good point…we can reach any goal, as long as we have God’s approval and help!

    1. I always pray for patience. So much in life requires patience…with ourselves, with others, and with the circumstances we encounter. Sometimes, a bit of patience seems to save the day!

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