So many people begin a new year by declaring they have a “resolution” that they are going to make changes in their life.  Especially after a particularly bad year, we just want to start over.

As we all know, most people fail in keeping resolutions because either they choose something that is too difficult for them to do in their own strength, or they really don’t have the commitment to do what it takes to get to their goal.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me. Psalm 28:7

There is nothing wrong with having a goal to go toward, or a task that you want to achieve. However, part of the problem is that people try to achieve the goal in their own strength, which is why they fail.

Allowing God to be our strength and our Guide is how we can attain lofty goals. And when He is in control, wonderful things can happen.

The beauty is that when you’ve had a bad year, you can start over with the Father.

He forgives our sins and wipes them away. He can give a new beginning, just as He did when we accepted His love and became a follower.

Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

–by Pam Rehbein