Be Encouraged in the New Year!
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Have you already fallen off the path—or maybe you haven’t even started yet? Or perhaps you don’t make resolutions at all. Wherever you find yourself, let me ask you this: Do you feel broken, defeated, depressed, disappointed, hopeless, hurt, sad, tired, cast out, or separated from others…even from God?
Life is complicated and hard. We are pulled in all different directions.
That may not sound like the most encouraging way to begin a message, but it’s honest—and sometimes honesty is exactly where encouragement begins. In the midst of all this, do you need encouragement?
I know I do.
Too often, I realize I didn’t reach the goals I set for myself—in my relationships, my health and fitness (both physical and spiritual), my ministry, evangelizing and my relationship with the Lord. When that happens, I find myself asking an important question: Am I living my life for myself, or am I living it for the Lord?
I’ve come to recognize that when I feel discouraged or negative, it’s usually because I’ve been relying on myself instead of fully trusting God.
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
What could be better than that? God calls us to trust Him—especially when we feel weary, discouraged, or off course. His plans are good, His promises are sure, and His grace meets us exactly where we are.
When we truly trust the Lord with everything, we acknowledge that He is the answer to all that we are and all that we need. It comforts me to know that I can rely on God through every circumstance—even when I don’t immediately understand why I’m going through it. I simply need to wait patiently for Him to reveal the lesson or the purpose. He is always faithful. I just need to be still and wait.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of this powerful truth:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Through broken relationships, chaos, disappointment, pain, negative self-talk, and even the emptiness that sometimes envelops us, we can experience our good God in every aspect of our lives—in every part of our being.
Each day, we must intentionally acknowledge and remind ourselves to trust the Lord in all that He does and in all circumstances of our lives. I know from experience that some days are easier than others—but with time and practice, we will experience this more often.
So I want to encourage us this year to:
- Get in the Word. Read your Bible. Engage in a daily devotion or Bible study to guide you in your walk with the Lord. Memorize scripture.
- Spend time in prayer, reflection, and quietness. Practice prayer throughout your day. When someone shares a prayer request, pray with them or for them right away.
- Worship intentionally. Acknowledge the Lord with heartfelt praise and worship each day.
- Align yourself with God. Seek where God is working and join Him. Follow His lead. Be ready to pivot, change your plans, and look beyond yourself.
- Practice thankfulness. Take time to look back on your day and acknowledge how God has blessed you. Write down what you’re thankful for—in a journal or on note cards to place around your home, car, or office.
- Remind each other that God is good.
Let’s spur one another on. Step out of your comfort zone. Share what you’re going through—both your praises and your burdens. Listen to the Holy Spirit with an open heart and mind. Be attentive to God’s leading and the wisdom that only comes from Him. Be open, sensitive and above all—love one another.
Be encouraged. God is with you, and He is not finished yet.
May you all experience God in His fullness!