Almost two months of the year have gone by. Christmas and the New Year celebrations seem a long time ago. I was asked recently, how long into a new year do you still say “Happy New Year” when you meet someone for the first time that year? I don’t know the answer but let me wish you all “Happy New Year”, even in February.

Did you make New Year Resolutions at the start of this year? If you did, have you kept them?

Thinking about New Year Resolutions made me wonder if the Bible says anything about New Year Resolutions, and from my research I don’t think it does. If it does and you know where it does refer to New Year Resolutions in the Bible, please do let me know.

However, although God doesn’t ask us to make New Year Resolutions, there are certain things He does ask us to resolve to do, whatever time of year it is. When God asks us to do something, it is always for our blessing.

placeholder image — Iain Mair of Life Church Lutterworth

I am reminded of a lovely verse in the Book of the Prophet Micah in the Bible, which tells us of things God asks His people to do: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

These are lovely words, are they not? And they are just as applicable and beneficial to us today as when they were first spoken many years ago. I think we can safely say that the world around us would be a vastly different place this year if everyone acted justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with God. Maybe that’s a good New Year Resolution!

Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Whatever you have already experienced in 2025, blessings and challenges, and whatever the year ahead may have in store for you, Jesus wants you to come to Him, put your faith and trust in Him, and experience His rest and peace as He walks with you through every step of life’s journey.

So, whether or not you have made New Year Resolutions, may you resolve to do this from today onwards – to obey what Jesus asks you to do, to come to Him, give Him your burdens and concerns in prayer, and experience the rest and peace that He alone can give.

by Iain Mair, from Life Church, Lutterworth.