A New Year Worthy of God: Finding Your Why and Resolving to Live for Him

A New Year Worthy of God: Finding Your Why

As we enter a new year, it’s natural for us to take stock of our lives and make resolutions for the year ahead. We may resolve to read more, exercise more, eat healthier, or spend more time with loved ones. However, all too often, our resolutions fail because we lack a big enough why to see us through the inevitable distractions, temptations, and setbacks that we will encounter along the way.

So, before you make any resolutions for the year ahead, take some time to reflect on your why. What is your ultimate purpose in life? What are you living for? For many of us, our ultimate purpose is to serve and glorify God. In this article, we’ll explore how we can make the new year truly worthy of God by finding our why and resolving to live in a way that honors him.

Called to God

As Christians, we know that we have been called by God. But what does this mean? In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Paul prays that God would make the Thessalonian believers “worthy of his calling” and fulfill “every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.” This verse reminds us that our calling is not primarily to a particular job or ministry, but to God himself. We have been called to be his children, to know him, and to make him known to others.

So, as we reflect on our why for the new year, let’s start by considering what it means to be called to God. In John 15:16, Jesus tells his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” We have been chosen by God to bear fruit for his kingdom. This means that our ultimate purpose in life is to bring glory to God by living in such a way that others see his goodness, love, and grace reflected in us.

Of course, this is easier said than done. We live in a fallen world, and we are constantly bombarded by distractions, temptations, and trials that can make it difficult to stay focused on our why. But the good news is that we do not have to do this on our own. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:13, “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” When we surrender our lives to God and rely on his strength, he will empower us to live in a way that honors him.

Resolving to Live for God

So, how can we make the new year truly worthy of God? It starts with resolving to live for him. In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This means that we must be willing to put aside our own desires and preferences and follow Jesus wherever he leads us.

Of course, this can be a challenging and uncomfortable journey. Jesus himself warns his disciples that following him will involve suffering and sacrifice (John 16:33). But he also promises that those who lose their lives for his sake will find true life (Matthew 16:25). When we live for God, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our earthly circumstances.

So, as you reflect on your why for the new year, consider what it would look like to resolve to live for God. This may involve making some difficult choices or sacrifices. It may mean stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others or share the gospel. It may mean letting go of a sin or habit that has been holding you back from fully following Jesus. Whatever it looks like for you, make the commitment to live for God with your whole heart, mind, and soul.

Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus

Of course, resolving to live for God is only the first step. We also need to stay focused on our why throughout the year. This means keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

One way to do this is by spending time in God’s Word. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we read the Bible, we learn more about who God is and what he has done for us. We also discover his will for our lives and how we can live in a way that honors him.

Another way to keep our eyes on Jesus is through prayer. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we pray, we invite God to be a part of our lives and ask him to guide us in the path he has for us.

Living in Community

Finally, we must remember that we are not meant to live out our why on our own. God has given us the gift of community to help us grow in our faith and encourage one another along the way. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the author exhorts us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

This year, make it a priority to connect with other believers who can help you stay focused on your why. This may involve joining a small group or Bible study, attending a church service regularly, or simply reaching out to a friend who shares your faith. When we surround ourselves with other believers, we find strength and encouragement to keep pressing on in our journey with God.

Conclusion

As we enter a new year, let’s make it a year that is truly worthy of God. Let’s find our why by remembering that we have been called to God and resolving to live for him. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus by spending time in his Word and in prayer. And let’s live in community with other believers so that we can encourage one another along the way.

Remember, living for God is not always easy. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way. But when we stay focused on our ultimate purpose and rely on God’s strength, we can live in a way that brings glory to him and makes a difference in the world.

References:

• 2 Thessalonians 1:11


• John 15:16


• Philippians 2:13


• Luke 9:23


• John 16:33


• Matthew 16:25


• Hebrews 12:2


• Psalm 119:105


• Philippians 4:6-7


• Hebrews 10:24-25

May God bless you as you seek to live for him in the year ahead.