Finding God’s Strength to Keep Your Resolutions
By Jenna Arnold
Director of Digital Outreach
New Year’s resolutions can be exciting, but let’s be honest—they’re also hard to keep. Many of us start January with a burst of energy and determination, only to find our enthusiasm waning by mid-month. If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone. The good news is, when our motivation runs out, God’s strength is always there to sustain us. Philippians 1:6 reminds us of this beautiful truth: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV).
Resolutions often focus on self-improvement—eating healthier, exercising more, or spending less time on our phones. These goals are good, but they can also become overwhelming when we try to tackle them on our own. It’s easy to feel like a failure when we slip up. But what if resolutions weren’t just about self-improvement? What if they were about aligning our lives more closely with God’s will?
When we approach our goals with the mindset that they’re part of God’s ongoing work in us, it changes everything. Instead of relying on our limited strength, we can lean on God’s limitless power. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God is faithful to complete the work he’s started in us. That includes not only our spiritual growth but also the practical areas of our lives where we want to see improvement.
I’ll admit, I’ve had years where I set resolutions only to abandon them a few weeks later. One year, I resolved to read the Bible daily, but by mid-January, I was already behind. It was discouraging, and I was tempted to give up entirely. But then I realized: it wasn’t about perfection. It was about persistence. I prayed for God’s help to keep going, even when I missed a day, and he gave me the strength to continue. By the end of the year, I hadn’t read every single day, but I had read far more than I would have without his help.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God’s work in us isn’t dependent on our perfection. He’s not looking for flawless execution; He’s looking for willing hearts. When we invite God into our resolutions, we shift the focus from what we can accomplish to what he can accomplish through us. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or setbacks, but it does mean we’re not alone in the journey.
Practical Steps to Stay Focused
- Pray for Guidance: Before setting or revisiting your resolutions, take time to pray and ask God what goals align with his will for your life.
- Lean on Scripture: Find Bible verses that encourage you in your goals. Philippians 1:6 is a great one to meditate on when you feel like giving up.
- Take Small Steps: Don’t try to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start with manageable goals and build from there.
- Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can encourage you and pray for you.
- Celebrate Progress: Instead of focusing on perfection, celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small it feels.
A Prayer for Strength
Heavenly Father, thank you for the good work you are doing in me. I confess that I often rely on my own strength and feel discouraged when I fall short. Help me to trust in your power and faithfulness to complete the work you’ve started in me. Guide my steps as I pursue the goals you’ve placed on my heart, and give me the perseverance to keep going, even when it’s hard. Thank you for your grace and for walking with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you’ve already stumbled in your resolutions, don’t give up. God’s strength is there to sustain you, and his grace covers every misstep. Remember, he is faithful to complete the work he has begun in you. Take it one day at a time, trusting that he’s with you in every moment. What’s one goal you can bring to God today? Let him guide and strengthen you—you’ll be amazed at what he can do!
Worship Along
Lyrics: Trust in God by Elevation Worship
Verse 1
Blessed assurance
Jesus is mine
He’s been my fourth man in the fire
Time after time
Verse 2
Born of His spirit
Washed in His blood
And what He did for me on Calvary
Is more than enough
Chorus
I trust In God my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
Verse 3
Perfect submission
All is at rest
I know the author of tomorrow
Has ordered my steps
Verse 4
So this is my story
And this is my song
I’m praising my risen King and Savior
All the day long
Chorus
I trust In God my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
Bridge
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
That’s why I trust Him
That’s why I trust Him
Chorus
God my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
Chorus
I trust In God my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
Bridge
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord
And He heard and He answered
That’s why I trust Him
That’s why I trust Him
Chorus
I trust In God my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail