Resolutions Rooted in His Purpose

New Year's resolutions—they sound so full of hope, don't they? A fresh start. A clean page. A new chance to get it right. But if we're honest, sometimes those resolutions start to feel heavy. We set goals, write lists, and dream big... and then life gets busy, our motivation slips, and we feel like we've failed before February even arrives. Yep, been there—staring at my perfectly written goals, but replaced by the same routines, habits, and the same self-doubt.

As the new year begins, our hearts brim with possibility. We set goals, make resolutions, and dream about all we hope to accomplish. "This year will be different," we tell ourselves. Maybe what we need this year isn't another plan, but a new posture. Instead of asking "what can I change," what if we asked, "God, what are You changing in me?"

God isn't impressed by our perfect planners, vision boards, or color-coded goals (darn it, that'd be too easy). He's moved by our hearts—by our willingness to commit our plans to Him, to trust Him with the unknowns, and to follow where He leads even when it looks different than what we imagined.

Proverbs 16:3 remind us, "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." This isn't just a gentle suggestion, it's a promise. Before we write our lists or goals or map out our year, God calls us to surrender to Him (remember yesterday's devotion, see what I did there 😉). When we place our resolutions in His hands, we're not giving up our dreams, we're trusting them to a God who knows the beginning, middle , and the end.

SHE Walks in Faith

This year, before you write your resolutions, take them to prayer. Ask the Lord to shape your desires, align your goals with His will, and give you peace in the process. Because a surrendered heart will go further than a self-driven plan ever could. Been there, tried that... it didn't work.

1. Which of your resolutions do you need to surrender to God?

2. How can you invite Him into your planning process daily?

3. What might it look like to trust His timing instead of your own?

If you need a push to get started, here are a few of my personal resolutions:

• Spend at least 15-30 minutes in daily prayer or devotion

• Memorize one Scripture verse each month

• Continue to prioritize physical health and run a 5k each month

• Continue building my savings (say no to the weekly Target run)

• Text people back (sorry if I owe you a text back, I'll admit it, I'm the worst texter)

• Become a morning person (this one's going to be HARD)

• Read 50 books in 2026

• Try a new recipes (y'all I despise cooking... I literally eat the same thing every day, at the same time)

🩷 Prayer

Lord, as I step into this new year, help me release my grip on control and trust You with my plans. Teach me to commit my goals, dreams, and desires to You—knowing that your ways are higher and your plans are good. Lead me in peace, and let this year be marked not by perfection, but by your presence. Amen.