It’s a time when the initial excitement of a new year starts to fade, and many of us begin to feel disheartened by unmet goals or unresolved resolutions. Life may not look exactly like we imagined it would at the start of the year, and the road ahead might seem long.
But before you decide to throw in the towel, remember: it’s too early to quit now. We’re only a few weeks in to 2025, and however this year has gone for you so far, there’s still so much opportunity ahead.
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to keep going or how to reignite that spark, here are some reminders to help you press on:
Rest - work from a place of rest
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Do you work-to-rest, or do you work-from-rest?
Chances are, your to-do list is never fully completed. You might find brief satisfaction in crossing things off, only to have new tasks pile up almost immediately. The cycle can feel relentless. When you approach life with a "work-to-rest" mentality, it often feels like you’re always working for that next moment of peace, only to find it fleeting.
However, if you shift to “working-from-rest”, you might find that the workload remains the same, but your approach changes. You feel less rushed, more at peace, and better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way.
You begin each day with a posture of rest, knowing that God is in control and that His strength is what sustains you—not just your own efforts.
Consider: Before diving into your day’s tasks, take a moment to pause. Surrender each detail of your day to God, inviting His peace to guide you through everything that lies ahead.
Reward - celebrate the small wins
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." - Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
On a day like Blue Monday, it’s easy to feel down as you reflect on the goals you set for the year and wonder how much progress you’ve really made. But here’s the truth: you may have accomplished more than you think.
You might not be at your end goal yet, but every step you’ve taken so far is a win. These small milestones may seem insignificant compared to your ultimate vision, but they are integral parts of the journey. And God rejoices in every step you take, no matter how small.
Consider: Take a moment to look back at the year so far. Find one small win—one progress marker—and celebrate it. It’s part of your journey, and it’s worth acknowledging.
Reset - it’s okay to adjust
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
The goals you set at the start of the year were simply to give you direction and motivation. But if, just a few weeks into 2025, you realise some of them no longer feel attainable or aligned with where you are, it’s okay to adjust.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and God’s direction may shift as you grow. The key is to remain flexible and open to where He’s leading you.
Consider: What goals did you set at the start of the year that you could adjust? Or if you haven’t yet set any goals, what goals could you set for 2025?
Prayer
God, I thank You for the gift of this new year. I pray that 2025 continues to be a year where I dream big and set goals that honour You. I also pray that as I move forward, I draw closer to You and trust Your guidance in every step I take. Amen.
