Hope For a New Year (click to comment)

Do you know what the most common New Years Resolution is? You’ve probably guessed it already. Resolutioners across the globe will most likely commit to losing weight when a new year begins. A friend asked me to hold him accountable in 2013 as he attempted to lose 30 pounds. I told him I’d give him 10 bucks for each pound he loses, on condition that he pay me back 10 bucks for each pound he gains.

Reminds me of a man who stepped onto the weigh scales, turned to a friend and said, “Woah! I don’t believe it! I started the diet last week, but the scales say I’m heavier now. Here, Bob, hold my jacket. Woah! It still says I’m heavier. Here, hold my Big Gulp.”

None of us knows what lies ahead, but this we know: we’re one year closer to home. Some nine-year-old children were asked about heaven. Jim said, “When you die, they bury you in the ground, your soul goes to heaven, but your body can’t go to heaven because it’s too crowded up there already.” Judy said, “Only the good people go to heaven. The other people go where it’s hot all the time like in Florida.” John answered, “Maybe I’ll die someday, but I hope I don’t die on my birthday because it’s no fun to celebrate your birthday if you’re dead.” Marsha added, “When you die, you don’t have to do homework in heaven, unless your teacher is there too.”

A five-year-old girl was returning home from the funeral of her grandma and was riding in the car with her other grandmother. Gramma number 2. “Where did Grandma go?” she asked. “Well dear, she loved Jesus very much, so we believe she went to be with God,” answered Gramma number two. “How old was she?” “She was 81 years old.” The little girl’s eyes grew wider. “How old are you?” “I am 85.” The little girl thought about this a minute, then said, “I hope God hasn’t forgotten you.”

Do you feel forgotten as a new year begins? Are you lonely? Burdened with things that have stolen your joy? If so, listen to these amazing words from God himself in Isaiah 49: “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never. Look, I’ve written your names on the palms of my hands.”

Whatever you’re up against in the new year, remember that promise. He loves you. He will never forget you. In fact, you are as close as the palm of his hand.

And please, leave a response in the comment section below. What resolutions have you made for this new year?