The parades are over, the firework shows have ended, most of the 47 college bowls have been played, and the decorations have been taken down and stored away.

So, what are your plans, goals, and resolutions for 2025? The four most popular New Year's resolutions in the U.S. for 2025 are to save more money, exercise more, lose weight, and eat healthier. But according to this same ABC News article, nearly 80% of people lose track of their goals in mid-February. So, whatever your goals and resolutions may be, here are a few Biblical principles that can help you stay on track.

1.     Resolve to begin this New Year fresh. Paul said in Philippians 3:13, I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead (NLT). The Lord said in Isaiah 43:18-19, Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? (NCV)

2.     Recognize why past resolutions have failed. Socrates believed that "the unexamined life is not worth living.” Remember that life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mess-ups. Don’t allow past mistakes to define you. If you learn from them, they can refine you. Psalm 37:23-24: The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.  

3.     Surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is willing and able to lead us into the fulness of the His abundant life. The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).  But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you (Matthew 6:33, NIRV). 

4.     Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Many times, we fail at our goals because we attempt them with fleshly efforts. Through Jesus Christ, we can know His will and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be enabled to accomplish the things that God has planned for us. So don’t be foolish with your lives but learn what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18, ERV).

Happy New Year!  May these three little words not only be a call for us to remember and reflect on all that Jesus has done and is doing in our lives and in our families, but also, may it remind us that with Jesus as our pilot, the adventures flourish and possibilities are endless.  May we trust in the goodness and grace of an all-powerful and fully loving Father who is both willing and able to fill us with right longings and desires if we will simply open our hearts and trust Him and His Word.

Be specific-start small: New spiritual goal for 2025: In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year? How will you accomplish this goal?