If you’re feeling the pressure of a new year, you’re not alone. As soon as the last gift is opened, it seems like the planners break out, new goals are set, and a word is chosen for the year.
We fall for the idea that our entire life needs a complete overhaul. Society pressures us to revamp our appearance, our habits, and every junk drawer in our house. Confession: I have more than one!
The pressure can feel daunting and even suffocating. But what if, instead of giving in to this pressure, we could honor the season we're currently in? What if we could shift our beliefs about when change can occur?
I often need to be reminded of the freedom that I have in Christ, which includes freedom from the world’s idea of and timeline for goal setting. As we make our way into a new month and a new year, let’s take a look at where we’re at and what’s defining us.
My hope is that we can acknowledge and honor the season of life God has us in, even if that means goal setting isn’t our top priority, and pursue Him wholeheartedly. Maybe a new year doesn’t have to define us after all.
1. Made Whole
At the end of every year, I fall into the trap of chasing a “new me” in the new year. I need more good habits in my life and fewer bad ones. I believe if I can crush my list of goals this year, then maybe I’ll feel more accomplished. More complete. More whole.
It’s not that transformation is wrong. The Bible says we should always be growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ. But 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of what is true: “The old has gone, the new is here!”
This means we don’t have to chase a newer, better version of ourselves. That version is right here for those in Christ. We can stand in our identity as loved and chosen right now. We can walk in holiness and embrace forgiveness today.
The lies of feeling inadequate, the sense of worthlessness, and the idea that a new calendar year is needed in order to embrace change and be made whole are all part of a bigger narrative I find myself battling against year after year. The truth is you and I are already made whole in Christ. We have all we need in Him.
Your worth isn’t based on a checklist. You are more than the pace you operate at. You are not defined by each pound you lose on the scale. No doubt you’ll feel better by walking more and drinking water.
Healthy habits are important. But our souls are only satisfied in Christ alone. No amount of productivity will satisfy us. No tag on our clothes or reflection in the mirror will meet our deepest longing to be seen, known, and loved. Only God does that perfectly.
2. Honor Your Season
Reflecting on personal experiences, there are seasons when setting ambitious goals isn't feasible. Life is hard, and various circumstances demand our attention. We face personal struggles that require time and space to process emotions.
Just because a new year has come doesn’t mean we’re emotionally ready to tackle a list of goals. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. It's vital to honor these moments in our lives and the season God has us in.
Recognizing where we’re at allows us to release any pressure a new year may bring. Honoring your season means you don’t have to operate at the world’s pace.
God gives us permission and grace to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, and as you may well know — that rarely looks like what we imagine or what the world expects.
We can slow down and speed up, with discernment, based on where He has us. And there is no guilt or condemnation when we do (Romans 8:1).
Honoring your season may require you to walk by faith. It’s not easy to slow down when the world says speed up and vice versa. But thankfully, change isn’t confined to a particular time frame.
Spiritual growth is not strictly a January pursuit. It’s a continuous journey week in and week out. Becoming more like Christ is a lifelong journey.
3. Permission to Be
Psalm 46:10 is so much easier to discuss in my Bible study group than to live out in my everyday life. Being still goes against everything in my flesh. Can you relate? I’d much rather work through my to-do list trying out the latest productivity hacks than just… be.
Even as I type the word, I shudder. Guilt and shame flood in at the idea of “being” instead of doing. Worry and fear grow as I contemplate what happens if I actually slow down and stop.
But growth isn't only about reaching the top of the mountain; it's also about deepening our roots. Sometimes, growth is invisible. Sometimes it requires us to simply be.
Growing can look like finding beauty in the every day and recognizing that there’s purpose here and now. And while it may seem counterintuitive, at least by the world’s standards, growing can look like slowing down.
When we slow down, we invite God into our everyday. We begin to see Him in our ordinary moments. Being gives us the margin to notice where He’s moving and how He’s working. We may even discover that His pace and timing are better than ours.
Something sweet happens when we give in to the desire to push harder and run faster. Surrender brings unexpected peace. Embracing a slower pace brings contentment. Give yourself permission to operate at God’s pace this year, to not rush the process, and to be okay with simply being.
4. Embracing the Rhythm
As the noise of resolutions heightens at the start of a new year, maybe God is inviting you to pause, listen, and walk at His pace. A new year doesn’t have to define you.
You can release the pressure that comes with this time of year, having full confidence that God is always working even when we can’t see it.
We can trust Him, knowing His timing is perfect. We can embrace the rhythm of our current season with confidence, knowing each one offers its own lessons, joys, and challenges. Happy New Year, friend!
For further reading:
5 Bible Journaling Ideas for the New Year
5 Spiritual Practices to Deepen Your Relationship with God this New Year
7 New Year's Resolutions That Are Outside the Box
7 Ways to Grow Closer to God This Year
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