There is something about a new year, whether it be a new school year or the turning of a calendar page to a new month, that can fill us with anticipation and excitement and plans.

I know myself well and know that it is futile to make those resolutions that I am sure to be excited over and watch the excitement fade in a very short time. The New Year then becomes a fresh reminder of failure. Same song, new refrain.

I don’t like to fail.

I don’t think I am alone.  I think I am becoming more willing to take risks, but my strong avoidance of New Year’s Resolutions tells me that I may still be hiding from failure.

But what if I told you there was a New Year’s Resolution that promises a guaranteed success? It has nothing to do with weight loss or eating habits or exercise or self improvement. In fact it has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with God.

What if this was the year that you committed to knowing him more?

No matter what.

What if we resolved to ask him for more of himself in our lives?

Everyday.

It’s not a program of do’s and do’s and rule’s and rule’s.

But it’s a desperation for more of him.

What if this were the year that we make desperation our resolve?

‘God, I am desperate for you. For more of you. For your goodness and kindness and greatness. For your gentleness and your wildness. I want you.’

Could we make that our prayer?

I can guarantee that we may not be able to dictate how our year turns out and we can’t expect to control the outcome, but I can guarantee that it will be a ride, that in the end, and maybe with a few year’s perspective behind us, we will not regret taking.