At the Crossroads

It’s interesting, many years ago, our local news station surveyed New Year’s Resolutions. They found that 71% of men claimed to have kept their resolutions over the previous year – while only 57% of women claimed the same thing. That made me think: either, men have more will power or women are more honest! Most likely the latter!

I thought it was also interesting the number one resolution is to lose a few pounds – but right behind it at number two is to get closer to God.

There is something about the New Year  – anything that marks the passing of time usually causes us to stop and reflect on our lives – where we’ve been and where we’re going. It reminds us that we are ever at a crossroads. Our decisions in the past have shaped where we are now. And the decisions we make now are shaping our lives for the future.

Whether or not you choose to make any resolutions, I hope you will pause to reflect on your life. Think about what’s really important. Imagine again how you want your life to look. Ask God to give you honest insight, strength, and hope.

The prophet Jeremiah once wrote (Jeremiah 6:16):
“Stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let us pray: Loving God, sometimes we seem to wander aimlessly, and we so easily lose our way. We want you to be at the heart and center of our lives. We are desperate for your guidance and for your peace, and for a life filled with meaning and hope. Show us again where the good way lies, and empower us to walk in it. We ask in Jesus Christ. Amen.