Hope for the 2024 New Year
Every year, we wait with eager expectation for the beginning of a new year. In reflection, a couple factors excite us about a new year. It’s the hope of starting over and doing a new thing. There isn’t anything fundamentally different when the clock strikes 12:00am on January 1st. Literally, it’s a minute’s difference between 11:59 pm and 12:00 am. But when the clock strikes midnight, it’s the mindset that changes. Mentally, it signals a new thing. With a new thing, there’s the promise of hope. We feel there’s hope for something better, something different, and something not found in the past. We may look for what’s fresh, new, and innovative. We crave and long for it. Let’s talk about it.
Change from the Past
Submerged under the hope of something fresh is leaving the past in the past and having a reset. We want to reset from the lost expectations, the disappointments of what never was in 2023. The year’s past can represent the hurt endured, the sadness and grief, the anxiety, and the trauma. These are all the things we didn’t hope for on January 1, 2023. Goals were set and not obtained, unpredictable difficulties, and shocking news, all from the brokenness we see in this world. In sum, we suffered.
Setting New Year’s Resolutions
You might be someone who sets New Year’s Resolutions. You may not. Either is fine. But if you are wanting to set resolutions, here are some factors to consider:
- Before you set any resolution, commit your resolutions to prayer. Seek God’s wisdom for what areas of your life need addressing or growth. God is able to help us with New Year’s resolutions.
- Think of various areas of life: relationships with family and friends, financial health, emotional well-being, physical health, mental wellness, and spiritual development. Remember that each of these areas can be connected in your faith and relationship with God.
- Show self-compassion and grace as you think of your resolutions. You might have set resolutions this past year but didn’t meet them. If it’s important to meet these goals, re-evaluate and set a more realistic goal. We all fall short of goals and resolutions, but we’re able to get back on track.
- Bring in others who can keep you accountable to your resolutions. This could be a spouse, partner, friend or mentor. When we bring in others, we’re more likely to follow through with support and encouragement.
Ultimate Hope for Christians
As Christians, the promise is not in the hope in a new year. It’s not in resolutions or goals (although these are helpful to keep us growing!) Ultimately, we hope in the One who promises to renew all things. The fresh, the new, the innovative. God is in the business of doing that. He promises to make us new and promises that He is doing a new thing. This new year just might be the time He starts or continues that work for you!
Ready to Feel Empowered as You Start the New Year?
The beginning of 2024 is the perfect time to start therapy! Therapy can help you explore old patterns you want to change and develop new ones. A Christian counselor can help you work towards those New Year’s resolutions you want to see fulfilled by developing new coping strategies and work towards healing. If you’re been wanting to address specific issues or get into a better place emotionally, mentally, relationally, or spiritually, Christian counseling can provide you great support and lay a solid foundation for the upcoming year. Let us come alongside you or your family this year through your journey to healing and renewal. Sojourner Counseling is ready to assist you in your counseling needs today. Get started by booking an appointment with one of our counselors today!