Do New Year’s Resolutions Work?

In 1738, the literary giant Samuel Johnson wrote in his diary: "Oh Lord, enable me to redeem the time which I have spent in idleness."

Year after year, Johnson wrote some variation of this prayer. Finally, 38 years after his first resolution, he wrote, "When I look back upon resolutions which have been made and broken, why do I yet try again? I try because reformation is necessary and despair is criminal."

Johnson was describing our human lives. We start every year thinking, This is the year! We resolve to turn over a new leaf—and this time we are serious. We promise ourselves we're going to quit bad habits and start good ones. We're going to get in shape, eat better, waste less time, be more content, be more disciplined, and so forth. We're going to be better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers. And then, twelve months later, we've fallen short … again.

The gospel is the good news announcing Jesus' infallible devotion to us in spite of our inconsistent devotion to him. As this New Year gets under way, take comfort in knowing that we are weak and He is strong—that even as our love for Jesus falls short, Jesus' love for us never will.

Please help us share this good news here on the streets of Skid Row, where people have given up on resolutions, and given up on life. Your gift today can give them reason to hope again. 844-FJM-FOOD is your number to the heart of an abused mother, a frightened child, or a lonely man.

Blessings,

Willie L. Jordan