Week 12

The new year is upon us (can you believe 2025 is already here?), bringing a natural season of reflection and evaluation. Many of us set resolutions or goals, hoping for self-improvement, to leave behind the mistakes, regrets, and struggles of the past year and embrace a new chapter. Whether it’s exercising, eating healthier, learning new skills, achieving career milestones, or practicing spiritual disciplines, we set these goals as visions of transformation reflecting our deep desire for change. 

However, the stereotype that resolutions often go unfulfilled rings true for many, and I’ve experienced this myself. Despite our best intentions, old habits, and familiar limitations make lasting change difficult as we cannot truly transform ourselves through willpower alone. Nor can time itself bring about change by simply ushering in a new year. The renewal and newness we seek is something only God can provide and sustain.

David’s reflections in Psalm 23 capture the blessings of this renewal in the new life offered amidst the tension of the “already/not yet” of God’s presently active but not fully realized kingdom. Unlike the world that embraces fear, despair, and pride, we are called to trust and rest in God. David portrays God, rather than us, as the active agent in this process. He provides, leads, grants righteousness, protects, generously bestows and abundantly blesses. We should respond by laying down our fears, trusting God’s guidance, relying on His provision instead of our own strength, and praising Him with thanksgiving.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that in Christ, we are a new creation—“the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This new life is a gift of God’s grace, not our own effort (Romans 6:4). Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self,” created in God’s righteousness and holiness. Instead of seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits, we find true satisfaction in God’s love, knowing our deepest needs are met. 

David concludes Psalm 23 by looking ahead to the promised restoration with God: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." When reading this closing statement, I am immediately reminded of the celebration that is described in Revelation 21-22. These chapters show us where our story ends – perfected and living with God in all of His glory, forevermore. 

As we step into this new year, may we embrace the hope of what lies ahead. Let us live not overshadowed by anxiety, success, or busyness, but with eternity in mind, anchored in the certainty of God's faithful promises. Let’s set our goals, resolutions, and plans not in our hands, but in God’s. Seek His guidance, embrace His restoration, trust in His goodness, and step boldly into the new life He has prepared for us in the present and for eternity.