Isn’t it more than likely that half way through January, those who made resolutions may already be discouraged from not being able to follow through with what they had resolved at the beginning of the year.
I have not made New Years Resolutions for quite some time, as I do not like the feeling of failing to do what I thought I could accomplish. Instead I like to put together three goals that will help me cope with whatever I could encounter in the year to come. I like to write them on January 1st of my daytime calendar that we keep by the phone for our appointment throughout the year. I revisit those goals from time to time to ensure I am still on track.
I usually have the same three goals that I bring forward each year, that I know I can accomplish and I know will see me through most situations, even a crisis. Here they are:
1. Stay in the scriptures daily. At least twice a day or more if I need inspiration or direction. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
2. Talk to God. All the time, and whenever He comes to mind. Prayer always calms me and helps me focus. Prayer also helps me take my thoughts off my problems and helps me focus on those I am praying for.
“Pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. Ask God daily to show me how I can use the gifts He gave me to share those gifts with others. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
If we go into a new year with the Triune God beside us to lead, guide, direct us, as well as loving and forgiving us daily, we can “Be joyful Always” as 1 Thessalonian 5:16 tells us we can be.
Enjoy your journey through the year ahead.
By Pauline Huth
(Scriptures are NIV)
Serving in His Strength” is a blog
published by the Member Development Committee of
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada, Inc.
Lutheranwomen.ca
2026