The confetti has fallen. We’ve cleaned up the empty cups. The Christmas decorations are being put away. Time to start afresh, 2022 is here! The world has been through a lot in the last few years and many people are bracing themselves for the next thing. As the new year begins, people will commit to one or several New Year’s resolutions. A search of popular resolutions included: lead a healthier lifestyle, manage finances, and develop habits which benefit health, daily life, relationships or mindfulness.
One somewhat vague resolution I found was, “live life to the fullest.” The world says living life to the fullest means taking chances. Don’t let opportunities pass you by. Enjoy yourself! Put your desires, needs, and wants first!
The idea of living life to the fullest is not entirely unbiblical. In contrast to the world, however, Scripture always points to God as the source of fullness in our lives. The course of our life is not solely the product of our own choices, though they do have significant influence. Ecclesiastes tells us, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) The writer poetically explains our lives will undergo various seasons and they are all ordained by God. We are given the gift of life and the freedom to choose how to live our lives. But it is God who ultimately determines the course of our lives.
Fullness comes when I am living out God’s purpose for my life. This is revealed in the mundane tasks of my daily life. Christ provides for all my needs. He gives strength and purpose. He fills my life with joy in the midst of sorrow; peace in a chaotic and shifting world. He gives hope beyond an uncertain future. A fullness is found in these beautiful gifts, and my response is praise for his goodness and faithfulness.
This fullness of life can be yours as well. Take encouragement for the year ahead with these words: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Whether your 2022 resolutions include frugality, health, or bettering your life in different ways, remember in all these things, you have an opportunity to glorify God. Experience life in Christ to the fullest in 2022!
Application Points:
- Remember life is a gift from God—thank him for it.
- Align your New Year’s resolutions with the mindset of glorifying God.
- Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the coming year.
- Walk in obedience to the Lord’s leading in your life.
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About Erica: Lives with her husband, Justin, in South Dakota. She teaches middle school and loves traveling, collecting quotes, learning fun facts and historical information, drinking coffee, eating ice cream and enjoying good conversation with friends. |