by Meredith Berger
2019 is here! Did we achieve everything we wanted to in 2018? Probably not. Did our previous resolutions last more than a few months? Also no.
Last year I wrote my New Year’s blog on seeing resolutions as a way to challenge yourself to do more things you love, instead of giving up things that are bad for you. That change in perspective can make New Year goals exciting and less burdensome. This year I’m using my blog to back up my recommendations with scripture. I’m breaking down some of 2019’s Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Success and Happiness (Inc.com) and using God’s Word to support your goals throughout the year.
Health & Nutrition – “No thanks, I’m doing keto”
“… your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God…You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
You’ll probably see a lot of new gym memberships and diets this month but being healthy doesn’t just require working out or cutting carbs. It requires optimism, support, and an intrinsic desire to glorify your body. It requires balance, and it’s important not to overwork yourself.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
Whatever your nutrition goals may be – remember to love yourself and God.
Save More, Spend Less – “Let’s get this bread”
For those who don’t know that phrase, you’re welcome. You’re very hip now. Getting “bread” (money) is a fairly common resolution, since this world greatly values possessions and wealth, to our detriment.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Making money your sole purpose can pull you away from God. However, if you’re goal is to cut out certain expenses and be more intentional with your spending, the Bible supports this resolution and says it can bring about prosperity.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).
Nurturing Relationships – “Lunch soon? So glad I bumped into you”
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)
In 2019, there is a desire to build relationships with friends, family, significant others, etc. This requires sincerity, which can be difficult to achieve in our busy lives. Scripture tells us to develop authentic relationships, and when we put time into those individuals, we’ll be rewarded.
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24)
Career Aspirations – “I’m a cog in the machine”
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3)
Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of doing the thing we actually love. Often times following our passions and where the Lord is calling us can be difficult and even scary. This year, we can try to glorify God in our daily jobs, despite how unfulfilling or secular they may be.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” (Colossians 3:23).
This can mean spending time with our talented co-workers to grow as individuals (iron sharpens iron), and to even use that time figuring out what it is that’s truly calling us.
“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5).
Strengthening Faith – “I’m just looking for the right Church…”
If you are looking to deepen your faith, or are new to Christianity and looking to explore, there is no time like the present!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
God’s love awaits us, and 2019 can be the year we work on
cultivating our relationship with Him.
“…neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
