Day 20 - PRIORITIZING WITH PURPOSE IN THE NEW YEAR

As we celebrate Christmas, rejoicing in the birth of our Savior, we often find ourselves swept up

in the hustle and bustle of the season—spending time with family, exchanging gifts, and

enjoying festive meals. But right after the holiday, there’s a shift: the year feels like it’s already

over, and we begin to wonder, What have I done with this year?

In our culture, this is when we’re often pressured to start planning our resolutions for the new

year. But how many times do we wonder why we set these goals, or if we’re doing it the right

way? What should we be focusing on?

It’s tempting to think about everything at once: our health, our finances, our family, our

work—there’s so much to consider. Maybe you want to exercise more, drink more water, spend

more time with family, or take a vacation. The list of goals can feel endless. So how do we avoid

feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

How do we plan a new year in a way that brings peace and not anxiety?

Stephen R. Covey, in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, shares a key habit that I

believe could be a great starting point for us: Put First Things First.

In the same book, Covey introduces a simple but powerful way to prioritize. He divides all tasks

into four categories:

1. Important and Urgent

2. Important but Not Urgent

3. Not Important but Urgent

4. Not Important and Not Urgent

The trick is to focus on the “importance” not the schedule. Focus on what matters most in life.

Let go of distractions that fall into the “not important” categories.

What are your roles in life? Are you a spouse, a parent, a pastor, a friend, a sibling? Whatever

your roles are, you have priorities. It’s essential to identify them.

Society often encourages us to measure success by things like career advancement, material

possessions, or travel. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting a new house, a promotion, or a

dream vacation, we must remember that these goals, if not prioritized correctly, can lead to

stress, anxiety, and a loss of peace.

So, the question is: Should we plan for the new year? Yes, absolutely! The Bible tells us, “For

who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is

enough money to finish it?” (Luke 14:28). God is a God of order. The Bible also says, “Let all

things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

When we learn to prioritize, we gain the maturity to say “no” to distractions and “yes” to what

matters most. We won’t be driven by guilt or procrastination because we’ll be in control of our

schedule, guided by the knowledge of who must come first: Jesus—the Savior we are

celebrating.

Heavenly Father, as I begin this new year, I place my plans and goals in Your hands. My desire

is to put You first in everything I do. Please give me the wisdom to seek Your kingdom above all

else, no matter what roles I play in this life. You are my purpose, and with You guiding me, I

know I will find peace even in the midst of challenges. Let me dwell in Your shelter, Lord, be my

refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.