Don’t not try!
January is often focused on goals, resolutions, new things to try, old things to bring back, revamped disciplines, create new habits, break old ones… and so on. We focus so much on what we want to change, which can be a really good thing. People either get invigorated by this dreaming and goal setting, or they get paralyzed because they don’t think they will succeed. Sometimes people get even discouraged before they ever start… But that is the habit we have to break. So you may not be able to stick to it forever… don’t let that stop you from trying. So you may do something for a few days, then lose track, don’t completely get off the saddle. Get back on a few days later and keep trying. I know for me, I so easily get discouraged. And my idealism of wanting to be perfect and setting goals and actually accomplishing them keeps me from even setting goals to begin with. I need to stop that negative and destructive thinking. I have to believe that it’s okay to just try things. It is okay if things are just for a season. It is okay if I am not perfect.
And the amazing thing that I have that I don’t even realize is the people around me to support, encourage, stand by me, and spur me on to accomplish these things. We were created for relationships, to work together with other people, and to be there for one another. And more important than that, I was created for a purpose even bigger than goals or dreams or efforts I make. I am in a race, on a journey, that is far bigger and far greater than anything I can even imagine. So may I not be my own worst enemy, but may I believe who God created me to be. And realize the power I have in the Jesus, who has been through the temptation, the struggle, the hardship, and we are encouraged to not grow weary and lose heart. “For the joy set before him” as your read below. Jesus didn’t begrudgingly go through what he did for us. He found joy in his purpose. I am sure there were days that were harder than others. I am sure there were seasons in his life where he may have been discouraged. But he kept pressing on and didn’t get entangled by sin or distraction. May I hope to live that way. May I strive to run with perseverance. May I run so hard after Jesus that nothing can get in my way. May my goals, my dreams, my habits all these things in my life all point me to the greater goodness and joy there is in my Savior. Be encouraged today. Do not lose hope during this “resolution” season. Find purpose in what you are doing. Surround yourself with people to encourage you. And have perspective that is bigger than yourself.
Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Set new goals. Try new things. Ask people around you to be your support and hold you accountable.
