Have You Failed Your New Year's Resolution Yet?

We are now officially 31 days into 2018 and I think some of you might be having a sense of guilt right now. Maybe you made a New Year's Resolution to lose weight, kick a habit, or start something new with it coming out as a down right failure. Believe me, I have been there.

Christians make some form of New Year's resolutions themselves in various forms. Some of them include what I just mentioned while other resolutions include a new Bible reading plan, more time in prayer, a better witness, or give more. Right now, some of you, who are believers are banging your head on the door because you failed your goals within the first month of the year. As I mentioned, I have been there.

As believers in Christ, we cannot get wrapped up in what have done or haven't done to make this new year our best ever. The Bible says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). The Lord is the One who establishes everything to come our way. There might be times where we feel He is against us, which is not true according to Romans 8:31.

The Bible also says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21). We can make all the plans or resolutions for this year, but it is the Lord's purpose that will stand when it is all said and done.

When it comes to goals, they are not set in stone. They are just things we want to see happen. We will all fail at times, but we must keep on moving. If we fail in Bible reading, prayer, and giving, God is a gracious God who provided His Son for us so that we do not have to give a perfect performance. When we fall, we call to Him for help and He will give us what we need for "life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).

Let the inspired word from Jeremiah comfort you:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22–24).