Why does the New Year spark this excitement for change and new possibilities? Right now, some people are in the process of trying to fulfill their New Year resolutions. The New Year seems to provide an opening for new beginnings.
New beginnings can inspire a person to improve themselves. This inspiration could come from the idea that the person has a “clean slate” for the upcoming year. Therefore, the person can start fresh and not focus on the previous year.
Furthermore, during the New Year, some people have a mentality that whatever occurred in the past stays in it. This mentality relates to Christianity because when Christians repent their sins, God wipes their slate clean. Acts 3:19 reads, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (English Standard Version). Thus, the New Year can represent a period of renewal for Christians that set resolutions.
New Year resolutions are difficult to accomplish. It is possible if it begins simply and there is concrete reasoning behind it. If a person wants to lose weight and is not used to an intensive workout, they have to gradually work on their stamina. The reason for the resolution should be meaningful for the person to stay determined during the process because there will be times when the person might want to give up.
The New Year is a joyous time for people that aspire to improve in certain areas of their lives. People have the power to change and accomplish their goals with diligence and patience. Matthew 7:7 reads, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (English Standard Version). Therefore, the Lord is aware of what a Christian strives to improve in their faith, yet the Christian has to be willing to try to complete the resolution.