Steps to Take as We Approach a New Year

Colossians 1:9-10
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing much fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…”

                As we ceremonially approach the end of the “Holiday Season” and we arrive at another New Year’s Day, many of us will make “New Year’s Resolutions,” – everything from setting specific life goals, to the dreaded “weight loss commitment,” and for many, hopefully, renewed commitments in our spiritual journey with the Lord. Perhaps we might make a resolution to pray more, study the Bible more, make more time for God in our busy schedules, or we may possibly even take the plunge into the “deeper places” of our souls which need restoration and redemption. In such things we should involve others whom we trust to pray for us and we for them, as we’re called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and walk with one another along the faith journey.
​

           The Apostle Paul is often seen in his writings as a “prayer warrior” for the recipients of his letters, acknowledging their faith and good deeds in Christ, as well as challenging them to grow in the grace, knowledge, and wisdom of the Lord. Paul writes, “we have not stopped praying for you…. We continually ask God to fill you with knowledge of his will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way, bearing much fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..” Approaching a new year can be exciting, intimidating, and depressing all at once in that we mourn the passing of such a festive Christmas season and sometimes ponder, with anxiousness, the unknowns of what a new year may bring. Making such commitments to daily invite the Lord into our circumstances, take small steps of obedience toward him each day, and to be purposeful about both praying for and coming along beside those around us who need to know Him are the greatest resolutions we can make for this new year.

Connecting Faith & Life:
​
                Father, we thank You not only for another new year, but for every new day You have made for us. May we find ourselves in this coming year with a renewed desire to walk more closely with You in prayer, to gain a greater knowledge of Your word, and develop a deeper compassion to walk with others along their faith journey. Lead us through the power of Your Spirit within us to live our lives worthy of Your high calling and to bear the Fruits of Your Spirit before the eyes of the world around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
​