The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on where you have been and where you are going. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about change, real change. Even though little changes in the world from day to day, somehow the transition from December 31st to January 1st feels different. At least, one would think so based on everyone’s actions. Every year is the same. We buy new gym memberships and make ambitious goals for school, work, relationships, and finances. We plan, plan, plan, because we believe that this time things are going to be different. What if I told you that you don’t need the start of a new year to decide to make a change? After all, as the Word tells us,

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentation 3:22-23

The mercy that God wants to extend to you every single day is better than the mercy that you give yourself at the start of each year. Isn’t that awesome?! So whether you want to make a change on January 1st, April 30th, October 18th, or December 2nd, you can do it. Not by your own strength, willpower, or super organizational skills, but by leaning into Jesus. Often, we don’t need to be stronger, know how to do things better, or get more organized. What we need is more Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. I love my Notion Life OS and my color-coded Gcal gives me glee, but that pales in comparison to knowing Jesus. Trust me.

Knowing this, each year, I start the year with a time of fasting and prayer with my family, friends, and church. So I want to invite you to take a journey with me over the next 28 days. I’ll be sharing reflections, which I hope encourage you to fix your eyes upon Jesus this year.

Take time to fix your eyes on him, Holy Academes, and see what a difference it makes.