As 2022 comes to an end, many of you have already begun or will begin making New Year’s resolutions. It has been my experience that they don’t come to fruition any sooner than they are made. My advice is to ask yourselves this question: When 2023 comes, will I waste it or make it count? Colossians 4:5 (ESV) says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” The Bible gives us a diverse collection of advice about time if we would just heed it because it will surely make the paths of our lives much smoother. However, that is easier said than done.
Even though the New Year is a time of celebration, it should also be a time of reflection. Since we are not “perfect” beings, now is the “perfect” time to look at what we can do better or improve upon. There is no need to look at the mistakes of 2022 and beat up ourselves saying, “Why did I do that?” “Why did I say that?” “I wish I had done this or that!” It will do no good because it will only end up being a pity party. Reflect, but don’t stress.
As you reflect and make plans for the New Year, find one positive thing that you want to do in your life that will not only benefit yourself, but will also help others, and stick to that plan of action. When you decide to do something, no matter how big or how small, you must have a plan, and let prayer be at the front of that plan. No matter how much adversity you may have experienced in 2022, there is always “a bright light at the end of the tunnel” if you think optimistically. If you spent a lot of time around negativity in 2022, cut that branch out of your life, because all it will do in 2023 and beyond is grow into a heavy limb that will become too cumbersome to carry around.
All negativity does is impede progress, so anything that did not help you in 2022, don’t carry it into 2023. This is so important why reflection is needed. It is good for the soul. Just think of a closet that you have in your house that is overstuffed with things that you have not used in over a year and probably will never use again. Then get rid of this excess baggage. Carrying it into 2023 will only give you a negative outlook for the New Year and it will be nothing more than a waste of valuable time. In order to celebrate and to be an effective witness to others, you must feel a sense of freedom from burdens. God can’t use a mess, but He can turn your mess into a test for a powerful testimony if you will allow Him.
Have a wonderfully blessed New Year, and never leave home without Him!
