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Before I became a widow, my husband Bill and I would sit down just after Christmas and evaluate the year over dinner. This was a significant habit we developed from the time our children were young. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, we made personal promises. We would share dreams and ideas for what we longed to accomplish and achieve. We would determine the best way forward with those goals in mind and establish ways to keep our marriage healthy and deepen our walk with God. I miss those moments.

Bill used to always say that without a plan in place, success cannot be achieved or measured. The time together became an opportunity to ponder over the changes brought our way, and reflect on what was, and what might have been. What I miss is the partnership of our personal promises to each other and to the Lord. There was a collaboration between us as we planned. I no longer have my life partner, but God is still God. He never changes, and I am learning how to better hear His voice and discover His plan.

Life changes.
Chaos can sometimes rule the day.
But with God, we can have consistency and know that God never changes (James 1:17).

As I begin to reflect on the past year and my choices, if I do not focus on the unchanging nature of God, I can become fearful and anxious about the future. Christmas has come and gone. I have celebrated and remembered the importance of the season in December. As I glance at the 2024 calendar on my desk, I need direction, and purpose for the future.

After losing my husband, I find myself broken and sometimes frail. That reminds me that I will often face temptation and sin. For me, it is important to recognize my weaknesses and ask God for strength to prepare for a future that holds hope. I want to live in the present and not in the past. This year I want to commit more time and resources to the Lord. I want to find a new beginning and map out goals with God guiding me. If I can learn to rely on God and remember that only He provides the best direction, I can find a gracious and contented heart. The best place to start as I plan for the upcoming year and beyond is with a heart for God and His word.

Are you weak, tired?
Pray for strength to fill your heart and comfort you (Isaiah 40:31).

I can see the way this past year has challenged me and changed me. As I consider new personal promises, I desire to share time with others and I long for the opportunity to verbalize my thoughts. January is filled with decisions and organizational challenges that boggle my mind with more questions than answers. As I make plans, now is the time to be sure my heart’s desires match what I find in God’s word.

May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

One of my favorite things about facing a new year is the opportunity to walk into a fresh start. I long to be healthy and holy. That will require me to make lifestyle changes that are healthier as well as setting aside time to focus on God and His word. I want to embrace the changes facing me and walk through the doorway of 2024 with confidence in Christ.

So we say with confidence,
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

I know the Lord withholds no good thing from me. Really the greatest things aren’t things. He doesn’t withhold Jesus. No matter the barrenness or the emptiness I find in my loss, I can always have as much Jesus as I want.

Lord,

I want to replace goals and dreams that were not fulfilled in 2023 with new options and opportunities. I miss sharing my disappointments and successes with my husband. Fill the gaps of loss with peace and comfort. Only You can provide that for me. I believe that healing and hope are available when I pray and trust You. Please help me treasure the good things in life. Turn my focus from riches to relationships. Let me recognize Your presence as I try to determine the plans You have for my life.

In Jesus Name, Amen.