“This is what the LORD says to his anointed…I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
Isaiah 45:1-3 (NIV)
In today’s American culture, I find it odd that we encourage others to be their authentic selves, to stay true to who they’ve always known themselves to be, while clinging to the idea that we can (and should) transform who we are with a mere mantra… just because we feel like it.
This dichotomy certainly offers insight into the identity crises that plague our nation, leaving many feeling not only confused but also spiritually empty. Rather than recognizing who we were created by and, therefore, understanding who we should strive to be, we are left to believe that something as natural as the progression of time can supernaturally define who we are and grant us unshakeable worth.
“New year, new you!” I’ve heard this idea countless times. Of course, I’m all about a fresh start, a new chance to find better rhythms and habits for growing as a Christian, wife, mother, and friend. Still, I’m well aware of how often I’ve rooted my identity in believing something as simple as a new calendar year could magically flip a switch in my heart, soul, and body. I’m even more familiar with how often I’ve felt disappointed in myself when change wasn’t drastic, or growth wasn’t linear.
Such is often the head and heartspace of a recovering perfectionist.
If you are like me, consistently frustrated with failed attempts at finding success and worth in New Year’s resolutions, I want to share a simple tip that has quieted my soul:
Rather than meeting a goal, focus on maintaining the rhythms of the goal.
If you’ve decided to read the Bible in a year, but two months in, you are too far behind to ever catch up, it’s easy to quit. If your endgame is to meet the goal, you’ll stop the moment that’s out of reach. Then what of personal growth?
However, if your goal is to maintain the rhythm of reading X chapters a day, you can return to this healthy routine after a period of dryness, busyness, or challenge away from the Word. Why? Because it’s not about meeting a one-time mark but establishing a transformative habit. Perhaps you won’t read the entire Bible in twelve months, but, even better, you will have created a foundation for reading Scripture that can last a lifetime.
This won’t make you a super Christian overnight, not even in a year, but it will quietly, gradually transform your heart as your mind takes in God’s truth. You will find that a new year doesn’t create a new you. Instead, your commitment to pursuing healthy rhythms will make your heart malleable before the Lord.
Counterintuitive to today’s cultural mindset, you won’t magically recreate yourself overnight just because you’re feeling a certain way. Instead, you will lean into the slow, steady growth of a believer who will undoubtedly have highs and lows in pursuing Jesus. Thus, your goals will be less about quick fixes and more about a steady becoming, humbly realizing that the new you your heart desperately chases will never be fully reached on this side of heaven.
While you could allow that reality to weigh you down, let it free you to try and fail again and again as you rest in the grace and mercy of a God who will sustain you through each new year.
Let’s pray:
Father, as another new year approaches, grant me your wisdom as I decide where to focus my goals. Allow my heart to recognize that perfection will be impossible, that I won’t be able to change overnight magically, but by your grace, I can rest in the slow, steady growth you grant. Thank you for sustaining me as each new year brings both hope and trials. May I boldly rejoice in your goodness on the days when things are smooth, and may I be unafraid to pray hard prayers while still celebrating your faithfulness when the road is far more bumpy. As Scripture says, you go before us, and I take this promise to heart, knowing that if you go before me, then nothing but goodness, light, and healing are ahead. In your mighty name, I pray, Jesus. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Daniel_Kay
Related Resource: Calm for Your Anxious Soul: A Conversation with Becky Keife
Have you ever lain in bed at night, exhausted—but unable to quiet your thoughts? Or felt that tightness in your chest, the racing worries, the sense that you should be okay… but you’re not? If that sounds familiar, today’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast was recorded with you in mind.
I’m joined by my dear friend Becky Keife to talk about her new devotional, A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul—and this conversation is both tender and deeply hopeful. Becky shares her own journey with anxiety, the freedom that came through honesty, and the simple, grace-filled ways God meets us right in the middle of our anxious moments.
We talk about:
• Why anxiety is so common—and why you’re not weak for feeling it
• How Scripture offers real comfort for weary, overwhelmed hearts
• Practical peace practices you can actually live out (even on hard days)
• Letting go of shame and learning to receive God’s compassion
• Resting in God’s presence when you don’t even have words to pray
What I love most about Becky’s approach is this reminder: God doesn’t shame us for our anxiety. He draws near. He invites us to come, to rest, and to receive His peace—one breath, one prayer, one verse at a time.
If your soul has been craving calm, reassurance, or simply the reminder that you are not alone, this episode will be a gift to you.
Originally published Thursday, 01 January 2026.
SHARE
