Hope and change: two powerful words behind every resolution. Whether made on January 1 or another new beginning, we hope for better and resolve to change. But let’s not lose sight of where our ultimate hope resides.
Resolutions are declarations to change. Change is difficult. It takes reflection, understanding ourselves and having the will to transform. Enter the resolution. We resolve to change this, that or the other thing. But when challenging steps towards change begin, many lose willpower. If immediate change isn’t apparent, we can give up too soon and our resolve and resolutions are gone.
Instead of resolutions, let’s set goals. Resolutions to change can lead to life altering goals. On the MemoryMinders blog, I share my preference for goals and how to set them. We can resolve to change but goals provide a framework for that change.
The root of any goal is hope. We hope to improve, learn, achieve, grow, or understand. As long as we have hope, all things are possible. But as hope fades, goals fade.
Whether beginning a new year or new season of life, let us never lose hope. Set goals, make them measurable and take steps towards them. But remember, our hope comes from God.
A new year, resolution or goal always needs hope.
We hope in Advent and at Christmas for the One to save us; let’s focus now on the Hope that sustains us.
Only Jesus provides this hope and we receive this hope through faith. Faith is hoping in what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 tells us:
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
When we put our hope, our faith in Jesus, He does not disappoint. We can resolve to change but putting our hope in the newest diets, exercises, others or ourselves without His hope within us will never bring the ultimate change we seek.
So as we hope and wait for the future Jesus has won for us, how do we live this life we’ve been given? This has been a question on my heart. Am I following His lead, His will and plan for my life?
I hope so. As I contemplate this, some goals come to mind. I begin this new year with the Hope that sustains me, leads me and never leaves me. Setting my goals with His will in my mind and His hope in my soul will help me continue to follow His footprints.
Tweet ThisHere and also on the MemoryMinders blog, I discuss goals and how to follow our unique paths to wellness in body, mind and soul. I hope you’ll join me. Wellness or any goal begins with hope and our greatest hope resides in Him.
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. ~1 Peter 1:3
Thanks Jill for a great reminder that having hope does not mean just sitting and waiting for God to act. Setting goals will keep me moving forward in a time when I need forward momentum the most.
Absolutely! Goals are a great motivator, especially when we hope and trust in God’s lead in making them. Thanks Kim-here’s to momentum! Jill
“Instead of resolutions, let’s set goals.” Yes, let’s!! And have our eyes on Him who is our hope. This was such a good article, thanks!
Thanks Catherine! Looking forward to moving towards all our goals with His Hope!