Each December, my heart turns toward reflection. I find myself looking back at the year, examining the goods and bads, asking myself if I handled situations correctly or investigating ways to improve in the future. During this time of reflection, I recognize strengths and weakness and make personal notes of areas that need some work in the following year.

After a time of reflection, my attention shifts to the new year. I want the next year to be an improvement over the last, at least in the areas I have control over. The circumstances that come from left field, these I have no control over, but I can choose how I respond and receive the impact of those events.

I used to make a long list of resolutions each year, but within a month, I ditched the list and neglected the goals. Maybe because there were too many or the list was too rigid, I don’t really know, but I could never make the resolutions happen long term.

A Change

A few years ago, I decided to change the way I approached the new year. Instead of making a list of resolutions, I chose to feed my resolve. According to Dictionary.com, resolve means “to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine to do something”.

This year, as I think of growing my resolve, I’m reminded of the words to an old hymn by Palmer Hartsough. “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife; He is the true one, He is the just one, He has the words of life. I am resolved, and who will go with me? Come, friends, without delay; taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit, we’ll walk the heavenly way.  I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free; Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.”

This. This is my resolve. I want the worries of this world to fade in comparison to the ultimate goal. So often the heaviness and distraction capture my attention and I lose heart. I lose sight. And ultimately lose my way. My resolve lingers and dies, and I try to manipulate and control my own world. I am a poor god, so I’ve learned, and essentially when I begin to doubt and take the reins back, I am declaring myself more knowledgeable than God. May this not be so in 2024.

Looking into the new year, I want resolve. Determination. Earnestness. I want my faith to be stronger than my fear and my hope greater than my doubts. Truth needs to be the voice in my ear, not the lies of the deceptive one. May surrender be active and the need to control lessened. Forward momentum in my spiritual journey is what I desire, not backward digression.

How about you?

Are you attempting a list filled with resolutions this year? Or would you care to join me in growing your resolve for the next year? Happy New Year either way, and may we become the best versions of ourselves possible in the year to come.