New Year’s Resolutions That Are Grounded in God’s Reality

It’s that time of year again—the season where we look back on what we’ve lived through and look ahead to what’s possible. New beginnings. Fresh vision. A clean slate.

And I do believe reflection is healthy. It matters to review your growth, your goals, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But more than anything, it matters to reflect on the goodness of God. Because no matter what kind of year you had, the fact that you’re still here—still breathing, still reading, still standing—means God has been good to you.

As many prepare to ring in the new year, something has been ringing in my spirit:

Whatever your resolution is, let it be grounded in reality—and surrendered to God.

So often, our failures push us into big, emotional declarations that aren’t realistic for where we actually are. And sometimes, they aren’t even aligned with what God is doing in us. We make major statements out of zeal to change, but the statements can be void of truth.

It’s easy to write down what you want—especially when it’s far outside the scope of your current state.

For example:
“In 2026, I will own my own home.”

So we add the dream house to the vision board. We pick out furniture. We plan the décor. We imagine the lifestyle. But we don’t document the process. We don’t face the numbers. We don’t outline the discipline. We don’t identify what must change, what must be learned, what must be built, and what must be sacrificed.

In other words, we love the dream, but we avoid the regimen.

And if we’re honest, many of us treat God the same way.

We declare and decree all day, then leave it with God as if faith means we no longer have responsibility. We rejoice in God as a good Father who blesses us—who gives the desires of our hearts and does exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. But we don’t rejoice the same way when that Father requires us to wait, to serve, to grow, to submit, or to stay faithful while we’re uncomfortable and unsure of the next steps.

God is not a genie. And His plans are not shallow.

His depth includes character.

The Word tells us the trying of our faith is precious—more precious than gold. That means what God is forming in you through process is not punishment. It’s preparation. It’s refinement. It’s love.

Because sometimes the most powerful answer to your prayer is not immediate increase—it’s internal transformation.

That’s why, going into the new year, the real prayer isn’t just:

“God, give me what I want.”

It’s:

“God, make me what You want.”

“Lord, there’s much I want to change. There are areas in me that need work. And I’m willing to discipline myself and submit myself to Your vision. Let my desires align with what You already know and already see. Don’t leave me alone to myself—lead me, guide me, correct me, and order my steps.”

Because Scripture is clear:

Many are the plans of man, but it is the purpose of God that prevails.

So don’t be quick to follow the world’s way of making resolutions—only to find yourself with passion in January but no power in March.

If you want a resolution you can actually sustain, you need more than motivation.

You need grace.

You need the help of the Holy Ghost.

You need God’s direction.

The truth is: when you seek God, His power enables you to do what aligns with His will. He is the God who deals wholly—He doesn’t leave anything out. Mind, body, and soul matter to Him. He sees the best possible way to ensure those areas remain pure and holy before Him.

So don’t just psych yourself up to do everything in your heart to do.

Let God’s Word and God’s ways lead you.

If you have fitness goals—give them to Him. You may discover discipline you never knew you had.
If you have financial goals—give them to Him. He can teach you stewardship, patience, and wisdom.
If you have relationship goals—give them to Him. He can heal, mature, and align your desires with truth.

All goals—when surrendered—can be refined by God into something that actually produces fruit.

So yes, plan. Yes, dream. Yes, set goals.

But don’t follow hype.

Don’t build vision without wisdom.

And don’t make declarations without devotion.

This year, let your resolution be this:
“Lord, whatever You’re building in me—let me cooperate with Heaven.”