New Year, New Me! is a phrase I’ve heard a lot growing up around this time of year. A lot of people use this opportunity to rebrand, to set goals, and to plan accomplishments for the year ahead. Others use this time to reflect on the year that has passed. While reflection is great and encouraged, it’s important not to be overly critical of ourselves and our current situations, or the situations we’ve endured.
Life is unpredictable. Things don’t always unfold the way we’d like them to, and sometimes the life we want for ourselves doesn’t reflect what God knows we need in that particular season. When our expectations don’t match our reality, it can be easy to feel discouraged, disappointed, or as though we’ve somehow failed. But Scripture reminds us that to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
God’s timing is intentional. Seasons of waiting, stretching, or uncertainty are not wasted seasons, they are formative ones! Rather than harshly judging ourselves for where we are, we are invited to trust that God is still at work, even when progress looks different than we hoped. An open heart and a receptive mind allow us to recognise what God may be teaching us through our current circumstances.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t set goals or desire growth. Creating healthier habits, striving to live in alignment with Christ’s character, and seeking to reflect Jesus in our daily lives are always encouraged and is what we should constantly aspire to keep at the forefront of our minds. Alongside this, we must also submit our plans to God, allowing Him to refine, redirect, or even pause them when necessary. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
As we step into a new year, let us extend grace to ourselves. Let us trust that God is sovereign over our timelines and compassionate toward our weaknesses. Instead of striving to become a NEW version of ourselves overnight, may we focus on becoming faithful, teachable, and surrendered, confident that God is shaping us exactly as He intends, in His perfect time.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Wishing you and everyone around you a Happy New Year full of spiritual growth, love, grace and a deeper trust in God’s perfect timing!
SL