Don’t only think of what you will do, consider what has already been done

Happy new year! A new year always makes us think of new possibilities. Perhaps you are making plans for the new things you want to do this year. Perhaps you have made new year’s resolutions. You might have signed up for that gym membership, enrolled in that new course, or decided to try a new sport. Perhaps you are considering how to serve Jesus in different ways in 2025 compared to how you have served Him up to this point.

Thinking and planning for new things is a good thing. Please do this! Yet let’s make sure that the call of the new and novel doesn’t distract us from be thankful for what we have already.

I am an activist by nature, someone who likes getting things done. I am sure many of you who read this can relate. I am always trying new things and pushing in new directions, trying to do the best I can at what I commit to. Yet being a believer is not, at its heart, about what we do. It is about what is already done for us.

Christians are people who know that although we are deeply sinful, down to what we think about and the plans we make, we have been forgiven. God has sent Jesus to die in our place and rise again. This was done for us; this was not due to our efforts at all. All we have to do is trust in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Because God has done this for us, we have so many blessings already. We have peace with God, security, future hope, a new family, the reality of being content in all circumstances, and all kinds of blessings besides. These are all true now, even if you don’t go to the gym as often as you want this year. These are all true now, even if your plans don’t all work out (and they won’t in many cases!).

We always notice what we do not have instead of appreciating what we already have. It’s human nature. So take the time to consider what you already have. Instead of only looking to the new things you want to do, spend time reflecting on the past year and all the things God has brought you through. Consider the incredibly blessed state you are in because of Jesus.

All believers are deeply blessed. Let’s make sure we take time to reflect on this and thank the One who has blessed us.