Caely Judy: Caely Judy is passionate about teaching the next generation about Christ. With a degree in psychology and a minor in art, she has worked with children for several years. She is an artist who uses her work to spread joy and hope.
The new year can be a fresh start. With choosing resolutions to see growth in your weakest areas, or taking time to organize your life, it is an opportunity for a “new year, new me.” These goals, while beneficial, can also feel a bit daunting. Personally, I begin to evaluate where I am compared to where I want to be and somehow begin to feel the weight of my own expectations. Along with societal pressures to be at a certain milestone at a particular time, I am asking myself “why aren’t I further along than this?” or “When will I ever be where I want to be?” Resolutions in and of themselves are not harmful. However, when I start to judge my current circumstances to those around me, I know that I am not living in full contentment.
Matthew 6:28-30 warns us not to worry about the future:
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
One thing I am working on this year is taking my thoughts captive. If I find myself worrying about my circumstances, I try to immediately replace the doubts through prayer. I don’t want to look back on my life and realize how much time and energy I have wasted on worrying about things beyond my control.
Matthew 6:28-30 says:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
If you struggle with worry or comparison, I pray that you can read through God’s promises in Matthew and begin to commit them to heart.
