There’s something refreshing about beginning a new year. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and refocus our goals for the upcoming year. I find it helpful to get away for an hour or two and pray, asking the Lord to guide my plans. In January and beyond, God’s Word encourages us to regularly reflect on our lives:

• Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. (Hag. 1:5)
• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15–6)
• Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Col. 4:5)

As you think about your days and the time you’ve been given, I encourage you to read “Build Spiritual Habits in Just a Few Minutes” by Sarah Zylstra and Megan Hill. (It will only take 2 minutes!) It’s a helpful and enlightening article, reminding us that many life-changing disciplines only take a few minutes each day. 

For each of us, I hope this year will be one in which we know the Lord more intimately and experience the joy of his presence. May we take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Tim. 6:19).

Happy New Year!