As human beings, we get very excited about a New Year, because we look forward to making resolutions for the purpose of “turning over a new leaf” as it were. We make lists of changes in our lives, goals, and projects to accomplish. Many believe that happiness will be found in material wealth, worldly power, or fame and glory. Some folks will simply eat black-eyed peas for good luck.However, true happiness can never be known without allowing our wills to be in alignment and compliance with our Creator’s will (cf. Isaiah 1:18-19; Matthew 7:21). After the wise man Solomon had recorded the futility of his search for purpose and happiness in this world, he wrote:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
It’s only when we find and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives that we can achieve the true happiness God intended for us (cf. Jeremiah 1:5; Gal. 1:15-16). We can’t ignore this purpose and expect to find true peace and contentment.
Imagine this upcoming New Year as a blank sheet of paper for us to write another chapter of our short and fleeting life (James 4:14; cf. Psalm 78:39; Job 7:6-7). Will we have the courage and commitment to look within the pages of the inspired Scriptures in determining our moral values and standards? (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16).
Or will we allow worldly influences to set them for us? (1 John 2:16; cf. 2 Timothy 4:10). If we will choose the former, we will find true happiness in the upcoming New Year.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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