New year’s resolutions are something we usually fail to adhere to, but with the right attitude, this could perhaps change. Sadly, the general trend in our culture is to put spiritual wellbeing at the very bottom of their list of priorities for the new year. We, as Christians, should be careful to not fall into the trap of this mindset when we get to face difficulties, but be determined to keep our eyes on Jesus, our righteousness. New year’s resolutions are good, but it is important to have God at the top of that list, and for him to consistently remain there. To accomplish this, we need to develop new, godly routines in our lives. Although at first the creation thereof may be difficult, but perseverance will bring good results. This first thing to do in putting God first in our lives, is to develop a trust a Him regardless of circumstances and while knowing that He is your foundation, realize that He will make a way, look after you, protect you, give you’re the desires of your heart, give your peace, and spiritual growth. We need to still keep depending on God, even when circumstances become positive. Seeking His kingdom is putting God first and in doing this, we will freely receive those things that we need in life, without having to constantly focus on them like the gentiles to. Seeking His Kingdom is living under God’s rulership and principles. The values we take on then are love, humility, faith, righteousness, forgiveness, peace, joy, generosity, justice, compassion, faithfulness, servanthood, obedience, and holiness. Seeking His Kingdom is letting go of anxiety and radically trusting God, it is modelling the ministry of Jesus because the Kingdom is inside of us. We also need to seek for God’s righteousness, his perfect moral standards and values, pursue a life that reflects His holiness and justice, and model that through our way of life. Practically speaking, putting God first by the creation of new routines could be things like starting the day with Bible study, making prayer a priority, regular church attendance, obeying God’s commands, serving others, faithful giving, surrounding yourself with Godly influence, fasting, sharing your faith, committing to grow spiritually and daily surrendering your anxieties and struggles to God. We need to be committed to speak God’s will and plan for us this year. His purposes for us are to know the fulness of his love and find peace in his presence, to seek out the lost and weary and offer them salvation and rest for their souls. He purpose is to work all things together for the good of those who love him, creating beauty from ashes and purpose from pain. He purposes to display his glory through creation, calling every heart to marvel and worship. He is unchangeable, yet his mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness endures and this will be the year of restoration and glory.
