Resolution in the New Year

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord."

Lamenations 3:40

Resolutions. Those lists, statements, goals, plans, ideas, hopes, dreams, etc. that you think up during the end of December leading into January. The ideas you have to begin the new year fresh, rejuvenated, and with this plan to conquer the coming year. You all see it. The first of January and everyone is out walking, running, jogging. The middle of January there are fewer. The end of January even less. By March, you wonder where everyone is. For some resolutions are a challenge to keep, for others it becomes part of their yearly habit.

Every so often I enjoy reading The Message version of scripture. It creates a story like flow that at times speaks well to me. As you reflect on the year that is coming to an end, and the new year coming towards you, I found myself reading Lamentations 3:40. The Message version reads like this: "Let’s take a good look at the way we’re living and reorder our lives under God."

Having symptoms of depression and anxiety may add some challenges to making resolutions. While making a resolution with the greatest of intents to keep it and then it not following through, may lead to feelings like worthless, hopeless, helpless, and unable to commit, racing thoughts, negative thought patterns. The anxiety of coming up with something good, that is worth sharing when others ask about it. And then the anxiety of keeping it going, even after the excitement about it has come and gone. Constantly wondering if others notice that the following through is slowing down. One of the hardest parts about mental health is keeping up with all the "healthy people." They seem to be able to make resolutions and keep them, or when they don't keep them, it does not seem to bother them. This does not mean that resolutions cannot be made, they absolutely can. But when making them consider more caution and insight. Keep it simple, with small step goals that are attainable and focus on positive progress. Know that any attempt towards progress, is a win.

Here are some ideas for when setting resolutions:

*The first step, is to set ones that are realistic,

*The second step, is to set ones that you are passionate about and want to do,

*The third step, giving yourself a break and accepting that you are human if or when it does not work out,

*The fourth step, don't set one if you're not ready to set one.

*It is okay. No Resolution, can be a resolution.

Maybe the verse from Lamentations can be a starting place. A look at the New Year, from the perspective of your walk with God. A look at where you want this walk to go in the New Year. Taking a picture of yourself today, as the before, and imaging the picture of yourself a year from now, as the after. As you keep your focus on God, He will lead you to exactly where He needs you to be. This is less of a resolution and more of a journey. An opportunity to change what may be missing, and finding it in His outstretched arms. This type of "resolution" also opens the door to variations to maintain motivation. It is okay to set small goals, and then to experience being proud of yourself for accomplishing this. Your life is your unique walk.

Scripture:

Lamenations 3:40

Reflection:

How do you see your current relationship with God? Where do you see your future relationship with God?

How does this relationship shift, if at all, when experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety?

What would your New Year look like, if the focus was on Him?

What may be a motivation to "reordering our lives under God?"

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we come into this new year I pray that this journey continues. I pray that this path you have set upon us continues to grow and develop. So as to bring your word closer to others and ourselves. Lord I ask that as I reflect on the year behind me that I may find ways to reorder my life under you in this next year. That I may keep you at the center, keep you at the focus, and keep you in my decisions. This year before me is full of opportunity and I am blessed by you to continue this blessing. In your son's name, Amen.