With New Year upon us, I would like to take the time to focus on what’s ahead. Most people will set new goals. Some will only think of them, some will verbally tell others, some will write them down.

As I reflect on this past year and take a look at the future, I am thinking of the new Presidency and all of its implications. I am also thinking of the economy and how it is still sputtering. I see the crimes against humanities that terrorists are free to act on without any repercussions from any country, including ours.
The economic and social forecasts tell us that there is division among ethnicities, with minorities taking the brunt of the hit. Yet, I see friends from all ethnicities and backgrounds who have been affected by finances and by the social issues. I see families being torn apart by politics and morals.

If I were not a Christian, I would lose hope and have a nervous breakdown as some people have. I would forsake all and go live in the desert by myself as a hermit.

But I have Hope. Hope not in a new political leader nor in a certain party. I also don’t place my hope on investments. All these things will fail me at some point in my life. The hope that I place is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is the One that I lean on in times of troubles and doubts regarding the future. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6 verse 34, not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will basically take care of itself. We can’t change tomorrow nor can we worry about something that hasn’t happened. In the same chapter, Jesus tells us that He will take care of us because He takes care of all of His creatures. He assures us that if birds eat and are sustained every day, so also will He maintain us. Jesus tells us not to worry about our clothing since He adorns the lilies of the fields in great colors, how much more will He do for us?

What I am saying is this, it is good for us to have goals for the New Year, even to strive to better ourselves physically, which most people usually set goals on every year. Some will endeavor to read more and learn from what they study. But very few people will make it a point to start right with their Creator. The God of the universe who can actually help all of mankind if only they will ask for His help. So before you set goals to go to the gym every day, or go back to school to learn a new career or hobby, make sure that your spiritual side is well nourished for the New Year. Don’t wait until January first to start, you can make up your mind to start this crucial phase of your life right now.
All you have to do is repent of your past that is holding you back, receive Jesus’ forgiveness through His death and resurrection on the cross. You see, we all are by nature wrongdoers or sinners and this keeps us separated from God. The Book of Romans chapter 3 verse 23 tell us this:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Have Him remit or pardon or cancel the debt or weight of your sins. Book of Romans chapter 5 verse 8:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
And make sure that you ask Him to help you not to make the same mistakes that have hurt you and others in your life. Book of Romans chapter 10 verse 9-10:
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
4. Ask for a fresh start and be free of the heavy baggage you have been carrying all these years. It doesn’t matter what it is or who you’ve hurt. Jesus will forgive and forget them as long as your heart is truly repentant. Book of Romans Chapter 10 verses 11-13:

11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him (Jesus) will not be put to shame.12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him (Jesus). 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Once you have done this, ask someone who is a Christian in your circle of family or friends to answer any questions you may have. If you don’t know anyone who is a Christian, please write a comment below, and I will help you find a good church in your area.

Again, don’t wait until the New Year, repent, commit and receive a new life. Start the New year right with God and all other things will fall into place. No, your life will not be perfect, no, your past wrongs and mistakes will not go away. But God will help you through them so that you will finally move forward with your life without the huge weight on your shoulders. Let Jesus carry the burdens you have in life, you will find that He will bear them for you making your load a lot easier to bear.
Happy New Year and may God start yours refreshed, renewed and relieved!