Introduction

As we head into a new year, many of us take the opportunity to set bold resolutions for our lives. We commit to exercising more, eating healthier, reading the Bible daily, or finally attending church regularly. The excitement of a fresh start inspires grand plans for change.

But as many of us know from experience, these resolutions often falter before the calendar flips to February. Gyms that were crowded in January thin out by mid-February, and the goals that once felt so achievable begin to feel like burdens. When our resolutions break, it can leave us feeling disappointed, discouraged, or even defeated.

God Knows Our Struggles

The truth is, God knows that this is our nature. He knows that life is hard, that we set goals and fall short, and that our best efforts often falter. But God does not condemn us for our failures—instead, He offers us grace.

In Psalm 103:14, we are reminded of this compassionate truth:

God is not surprised when we stumble. He understands our weaknesses, and through Jesus, He offers forgiveness and the strength to move forward.

Jesus: The One Who Picks Up the Pieces

When our resolutions fall apart, whether it’s in January or months later, we have a Savior who specializes in restoring broken things. Jesus invites us to bring our shattered dreams and efforts to Him, to find a way forward.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us:

Jesus doesn’t expect perfection. He invites us to lean on Him, to trust Him with our struggles, and to walk with Him as we seek to live lives that honor God.

What’s Worked Better for Me: Building Small Habits That Last

One of the reasons resolutions often fail is that they’re too big, too vague, or not paired with realistic plans for success. Instead of making sweeping resolutions, what if we focused on small, manageable changes that build over time?

James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small habits. He writes:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Rather than resolving to “read the Bible more,” for example, we might start by committing to read just one verse each morning. Or instead of deciding to “exercise every day,” we could commit to 10 minutes of stretching or walking each morning. These small habits, when repeated consistently, grow into transformative changes.

An Example of a Small, Faithful Habit

As an example from my own life, I once resolved to be in God’s Word more. It was an admirable goal, and I managed to go quite a while reading a chapter a day in the Bible. But I was unable to reach the point where it turned into a regular habit. Inspired by the concept of small habits as well as Clear’s idea of “habit stacking” (building a good habit by combining it with something you’re already doing), I started listening to the #Daily Audio Bible during my commute to work (before I started working from home). When I shifted to remote work, I combined my daily Bible journey with my morning walk/hike. This small shift turned habit has enabled me to deepen my relationship with God and His Word.

The Call to Action: Turn to Jesus

So, if and when your resolutions falter, don’t despair. Instead, turn to Jesus. He stands ready to forgive, to guide, and to help us pick up the pieces. Ask Him for strength to try again, for wisdom to create a plan, and for grace to persevere.

In Philippians 4:13, Paul reminds us:

As you head into 2025, consider focusing on building small, positive habits rather than grand, sweeping resolutions. And remember, whether your efforts succeed or fail, Jesus is with you. He loves you, and He wants to help you live a life full of meaning, joy, and peace.

Conclusion

This coming year, let’s approach our goals with humility and hope. Let’s rely on God’s grace rather than our own strength, and let’s remember that small steps taken consistently can lead to great progress. There’s a well-known proverb (attributed to a variety of sources, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mahatma Gandhi) that goes like this:

It’s obviously important to try to grow and improve ourselves, but it’s also important for us to remember that when our efforts falter, we should bring our shattered resolutions to Jesus. He is the one who restores, redeems, and walks with us through every season.

May your 2025 be filled with the peace and strength that come from walking with Him.

Note Regarding Header Image: Photo by Michael Pointner on Unsplash