Since November last year I began feverishly making plans about the bright and shiny new year that lay before me. I’d planned what I’d do and who I would be – right down to making a 2020 bucket list!

It’s healthy to have a fresh start, right? A brand new, untainted year filled with endless possibilities. Many of us do find a sense of rejuvenation at the start of a new year – there’s something special about how it makes us feel.

It’s an opportunity to leave behind things that aren’t worth carrying into another year. A chance to finally start those things we always said we would do.

But now that the Christmas lights have been packed away, and all the new years celebrations have lessened in intensity, I can’t help but notice that I’m the same Joy still trying live up to the expectations I set for myself.

If you’re a goal setter like me, you may also find that the glitter of a New Year can morph into an unhealthy object of devotion.

We can pin hopes and dreams on this New Year/decade and later find ourselves discouraged if we haven't made the progress we expected of ourselves. 

In the middle of all my expectations, I’m desperately trying to hold on to the truth that a New Year shouldn’t be the vessel of all my hopes and dreams. Yes, it’s a fantastic opportunity – but there is only one person who is truly worth my devotion.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” 

As we enter this year brimming with hopes and possibilities, I pray that we would lay all our plans and goals at the feet of Jesus. That we would indeed grasp this new year with both hands, while our hearts and minds are ever-connected to Jesus, our true hope and salvation.

On the Talk Sessions we talked with Aimee Mai from CAP about finances over the Christmas period and about the work they do.

We also chatted with listeners about their Christmas memories, check out our Facebook page for Nerida's.