Ah, yes. Time once again to make New Year’s Resolutions. Yet I ask myself, “Why?” I could make a resolution about money; but come December 31, 2026, I’m either going to have more money or less money than I do right now. I could make a resolution about my weight; but come December 31, 2026, I’m either going to weigh more or weigh less than I do right now. I could make a resolution involving time management; but come December 31, 2026, I’m still going to have the same number of hours and minutes in a day as I do right now. I think the latest statistics show something like 8% or 9% of resolutions are kept, and something like 80% or 90% of resolutions are broken by February. Whoa! This blog is sounding a bit on the gloomy side, so let’s shift the focus.
What is the goal or purpose of a resolution? By definition; making a resolution is a way to have or show that you are determined to take a course of action for some future purpose or outcome. In most cases it seems we make a resolution because we perceive a problem that needs to be fixed. Examples might be in the case of too little money—a resolution to save more money; in the case of too much weight—a resolution to lose more weight; in the case of time management—oh well, let’s talk about it later. [Humor intended; yes, you may laugh! We’ve all been there.]
From the Christian perspective, what is the greatest problem I face, or that you face? My first thought was that we are living in a world desperately in need of a Savior, yet all-the-while desperately trying to ignore their need for a Savior. As we find in the book of Jude:
Jude vs. 17-19 (NLT) But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
I am confident you would agree with me that this is a significant problem. However; let’s go a step further and I think we will discover an even more serious problem invading our world. The prophet Amos warned his people then; and we would do well to heed the warning today:
Amos 8:11-12 (NLT) “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the LORD’s word.”
Now to be clear, there is nothing wrong with making a New Year’s Resolution since it does bring about focus for change. However; I would submit that perhaps what is truly needed is a New Year’s SOLUTION. As Christians, we know the solution to the most serious problem in our world: The world needs to hear the Good News, the Gospel that shares the path to salvation through belief in Jesus Christ our Lord. And WE need to be the spreaders of that Solution!
1 Peter 3:15-16a (NLT) ...you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believe, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
2 Timothy 1:8 (NLT) So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT) You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Psalm 71:15-18 (NLT) I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
Here is my challenge to you, dear Reader: In the year 2026, rather than make a personal New Year’s Resolution; make every effort to be part of the 2026 New Year’s Solution of spreading the Gospel to a world in need—starting with all those in your immediate circle of influence.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
You have mercifully allowed us to complete another year. As we move into the coming year, let us be faithful workers for you. Grant us the courage and boldness to make the most of every opportunity you provide to be your light in the midst of a self-oriented world of darkness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional 2026 New Year’s Solution appeared first on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
