You stare at the calendar on your phone, dumbfounded.
How has another year passed? What happened to the good intentions of last year? There was so much to achieve. Instead goals were replaced with disappointment.
What will make this year different? What will propel you toward the future God has for your life?
Perhaps like most, you have been working on externals, things like physical appearance or a new job. But to see genuine change, you must work on the internal. And as a Christian, it's is more than an attitude change; it is a heart change.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (>Proverbs 23:7, NKJV).
What you believe in your heart determines your life. Friends, career, behavior, family, values, all stem from what you believe. So if you want to kickstart 2016, you've got to get your believing right. Believe right and 2016 will start on the right foot.
Believe God is Good
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8).
If you want a kickin' year, you have to believe God is good. All the time.
"But 2015 has been horrible."
Was something stolen? Did something die? Was something destroyed? Then your horrible year was the work of the devil. Jesus came to give you abundant life (John 10:10). God is not out to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). He is chasing you down with goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:6).
The Lord has been good to you in 2015. Perhaps it's time to focus your eyes on the good he has done, and recognize his goodness in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).
Believe You Are a Child of God
You are a child of God, bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19). Stop thinking you are not worthy. Your life paid for by the blood of the Lamb. Walk in the authority and power of a child of the Most High.
And since you are his child, God has made you his heir (Galatians 4:7).
As God's child you are heir. Heir to his promises. Not just some of them, all of them. Do not settle for less.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith (1 John 5:4).
As a child of God you overcome. Every challenge. Every obstacle. You overcome because you are his child.
Many struggle with being a child of God. But if you want to overcome, if you want to lay claim to all his promises, this has to be settled in your heart.
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to have a conversation with God, Jesus said, "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy" (Matthew 6:9). Jesus taught us to come to God as Father. Without pomp or fear. Without pretence or shame. Come to the Father. It is the first thing you say in conversation with him. And when you recognise him as Father, you acknowledge yourself as child. Each time you pray, meditate on God as Father and your position as his child.
Believe that You Define the Moment
Defining moments are moments in life that define who we are; monumental experiences of self-actualization.
"Have I missed my defining moments? Is that my problem?"
No. You define the moment.
Life is a matter of choice. You have the potential to make moments monumental.
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Satan wants us to think our choices are limited. That we are trapped and small. God created thousands of good trees, and only one evil one. 2016 will present you with limitless opportunities. Don't let them pass you by. Define the moment. Make your life extraordinary. Life is yours for the taking.
2016 will be your best year yet. Don't just change your attitude. Change your heart. Believe right and get ready for an amazing year.
I'm Sarah Coleman, an Aussie passionate about Jesus & family. Through blogs and books I minister life and encouragement. Download my FREE eBook, Be Amazing: You Know You Want To. Find more of my thoughts at sarahcoleman.com.au.
Publication date: January 2, 2015