The Lord our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Resume your journey … (Deuteronomy 1:6-7)

Change is inevitable, and important part of life’s journey. Either we are still constantly growing or we have begun to stagnate or decline. But I wonder, how many New Year’s resolutions will already be broken by the time you read this article. The making and breaking of them seems to have become part of the tradition associated with the turning of each year. Behind this annual ritual there is a serious side. We can resolve to start something new, learn a new language, join a gym, take up a new hobby, any time of the year. But it is the beginning of a new year that seems particularly appropriate, to do it. Almost as if by doing to at this time it more likely to succeed. And he resolutions we make are usually connected with either the breaking of old bad habits or the making of new good ones. As such the making of these resolutions, geared towards self-improvement, is in itself a very good thing. The problem is that whilst we may start with the best of intentions, new habits are hard to make and old habits even harder to break. Change is not easy and there is much truth in the saying old habits die hard. This is especially true when it means giving up something that we enjoy, whatever that may be. And it does not seem to matter whether it’s something we indulge in frequently or rarely, the decision to give it up is often accompanied by an immediate craving for it. 

So, in order for our resolutions to be successful this year, we need to show determination and resolve: “therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). The change also needs to come from the heart as well as the mind, and it is the change of heart that needs to come first, for this is what will motivate us to follow through with the rest of the changes that are required. In the end whether or not our resolutions to do things differently succeed depend on how much we really want things to change. In the end it comes down to this: We can keep on doing the things we’ve always done and nothing will change, Or we can cast off our old habits, embrace the challenge of a journey into the unknown, accept the temporary pain of doing things and living differently (until it too becomes a comfortable habit), and step out into a better future 

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’ (2 Chronicles:7)

Revd Eddie