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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: Most people get excited about the turn of a new year. It depresses me because when I look back over the previous year, I realize that I’ve fallen short – again. It defeats me instead of challenges me to try again. Quite honestly, while the world looks as though it is ringing in a new year with joy and hilarity, I think the world is drowning in deceit, wanting to forget the past and wish for a better future. – N.R.

 

Dear N.R.: Making new year’s resolutions and not keeping them is a universal experience. We may be sincere when we make them, but then we find them too hard to keep, or perhaps we forget about them.

Making resolutions is not necessarily a bad thing. Resolutions at the beginning of a new year help mark time – it helps us remember that we’ve looked at ourselves and been honest about our failures and need to change.

However, many New Year’s resolutions are unrealistic or only wishful thinking, but the exercise of examining ourselves – with God’s help – and seeing where we fall short is important. Making a list of resolutions can turn us to God. If we are honest, we know we fall far short of being what we ought to be – and because of that, we need God’s forgiveness. We’ll also realize that we can’t live the way we should in our own strength. We need God’s help.

The greatest resolution of all is when a sinful heart repents before God and receives His forgiveness. He will enable us to live life under His authority and power. There is no better way to begin a new year than to put Christ at the center of life!

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)