Happy New Year.
A new year doesn’t just mark the passage of time—it quietly asks a question: What will shape me this year?
Most resolutions focus on outcomes: productivity, discipline, progress. Scripture, however, consistently draws our attention to source rather than outcome. The Christian life is not sustained by effort alone but by abiding.
“Be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18
Notice Paul does not say be filled once. The Greek tense implies a continuous state—keep being filled. This is not emotional hype; it is spiritual posture.
Why Staying Filled Matters
We do not drift toward holiness. We drift toward distraction.
The Spirit-filled life is not a luxury for the spiritually elite—it is the only sustainable way to live faithfully in a noisy, demanding world.
Jesus Himself said:
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Not less. Not a little. Nothing of eternal value.
Making Time for Prayer Is Not Legalism
One of the quiet lies believers absorb is that intentional prayer somehow diminishes grace. Scripture teaches the opposite.
Jesus, fully divine, repeatedly withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). If the sinless Son of God needed regular communion with the Father, we should be cautious about believing we don’t.
Prayer is not a task to impress God.
It is relationship maintenance.
“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice.” — Psalm 5:3
David did not pray because he was perfect; he prayed because he was dependent.
A Resolution Rooted in Scripture
A holy resolution for 2026 is not merely “I will do better”, but:
- I will make room for God before the day makes demands on me.
- I will guard time for prayer as I guard time for survival.
- I will return when I drift.
Paul reminds us:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
Walking implies pace, direction, and daily intention.
Grace for Imperfect Consistency
This is not about streaks or spiritual performance. Some days will be weak. Some mornings will be rushed. The resolution is not perfection—it is return.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
That promise still stands on January 1st, December 31st, and every ordinary day in between.
This year, choose nearness.
Everything else flows from it.