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The new year is upon us, and you know what that means, right? New Year’s resolutions! As we wave goodbye to this year, it’s as if it softly whispers for us to reflect on the year all while reminding us that the adage, "the days are long, but the years are short," appears to be ever so true.
As we ponder back over the year, we become quickly immersed and filled with memories and moments when God drew near, maybe answering a long-awaited prayer or bestowing an unexpected blessing. Yet, taking a trip down memory lane may also resurface hurt in the form of grief or an anxious heart moving forward into the unknown. And here we are once again, peering into a new year, wondering what we are going to do with what lies before us.
Well, my friend, here is my question for you. What are your new year’s resolutions? Do you have any? Or… are you a little more like me and tend to think making resolutions just endorses the fact that by mid-January you will slip right back into your normal routine and indulge in the chocolate that you hid in the back of the pantry. Ugh.
If I were being completely honest with you, I am the worst when it comes to making resolutions. Believe me, I have tried, and I have actually made some really good ones over the years too. A few years ago, I was planning on learning French because my husband and I had planned to go to Paris for our twentieth wedding anniversary, but when those plans fell through, I sort of lost the desire to learn. I’ve also tried to stick to the usual resolutions such as exercising more regularly or abiding to a healthier diet. But that became rather challenging around Valentine’s Day, as I am a sucker for chocolate covered strawberries and sugar cookies. And, let me just say, I don’t know how to have “just one.” Sigh…
As believers, we may hold a different set of resolutions, such as being more diligent in our prayer life, being more intentional about serving others, or striving to be a peacemaker. While these are all great things to attain to, maybe you also have a goal of digging more regularly into the Bible, or making your quiet time more meaningful, and would love a plan to help you do just that. However, you aren’t sure where to begin or feel a bit intimidated, wondering if you will actually stick to it.
Oh friend, as a fellow resolution breaker, let me tell you how much I can relate. I have tried many study plans only to fail mid-way, growing frustrated, and then shaming myself for not carrying them out fully. So, can I offer you a simple solution?
Try a Bible study plan that will allow you the space and grace you need to dig into His Word, all while granting permission to ride the waves of this life. While the days are long and can easily be filled with endless distractions and demands that will pull us away, let God meet you where you are. If you slip and fall off track, pick yourself up, and start again. In other words, let’s not see this time in His Word as something to do and check off our list, shaming ourselves when we fall short, but rather a time we eagerly anticipate, knowing that opening up His Word will give us a fresh perspective on this life.
So, are you ready? If so, let’s get back to the basics and fall back in love with His Word, by approaching it in the simplest form. The four steps (which I call the 4 R’s) will help you dig into His Word and discover a message to apply to your life. That’s it!
All that's let to do is simply go to the downloads button and head into the new year with a simple Bible study plan, and maybe a few other resources as well!
Happy New Year, Sweet Sister!
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