Here we are, in the first days of January, when many of us choose to make a concerted effort establishing resolutions for the new year. If you’re like me, doing that–writing down a list of goals–is refreshing and exciting. Furthermore, like me, I’m willing to guess many of you start off strong and as each new day dawns, resolve and dedication to the items on the list have begun to fade into hours filled with nothingness which may welcome back old habits. When this happens my mood shifts from elation to disappointment. Frustration with myself begins to build and influence my emotions. Yet, I know that success is possible if I keep “showing up” with my goals in hand. Even in the midst of feeling defeated,  I know God will help me.

To prepare for this week’s article I simply typed in my search engine: what does the Bible say about getting back on track? Without fail, numerous sites with appropriate verses appeared on my screen. With many to choose from I selected Lamentations 3:40 “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord”.

Fortunately for me, there was only one lengthy stretch of time where I was not walking with God. That was over 40 years ago and is another topic for another time. Instead of returning to that time, I’m focusing on an ability to get back on track with God or our personal goals. Using scripture again, I found Psalm 32: 8 which says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you”. How wonderful to read that God is a teacher, a counselor and a loving watchful eye over us!

Additionally, God doesn’t expect perfection from us. Therefore, don’t heap that expectation on yourself either when working through some goals. In fact, from a secular viewpoint I found numerous articles online that teach how to build healthy habits. In a list of 7 I found, I chose my favorite top 3: One thing at at time *know your why *start small (source: intentionalview.com)

Recently, I wrote about our own health journey for me and my husband. After his heart attack three years ago we made immediate changes to meal plans. Even though we hadn’t been consuming a lot of over processed foods, I concentrated more on “clean eating”. Last summer I found recipes to make my own dressings, condiments, breads…even desserts with less refined sugars. Red meats became less frequent, making room for venison generously supplied by a hunting friend. Eating out lessened. More physical movement was added.

I certainly “know my why” with changes in our diet. It’s for heart health. Doing one thing at a time became fun as I made weekly meal plans by pursuing several new recipe resources, creating a weekly shopping list. By “starting small” I was able to build on a good foundation which brought me satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment.

I think when January 1 rolls around, it gives us an ability to reflect on the previous year and examine the highs and lows of our lives, our choices, and the experiences that shape us. For any one of us who felt like life in 2024 went “off the rails” and left us under a pile of twisted and torn debris, there is hope! Did you know that the word “hope” appears in the Bible 129-182 times depending on the translation? That’s encouraging. A favorite I pulled from the list is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

There you have it. Surrounded in damages created by being derailed, God provides a way to fill you with joy, peace. Your only obligation is to “trust in Him”. And the result? You’ll overflow with hope!

Join me this year by coming back to doing “one small thing” every day to grow closer to God as you build healthy habits emotionally, physically and spiritually! There’s nothing better than a buddy system and I can’t think of a better life coach than our wonderful God!