I wouldn’t be surprised if setting goals and resolutions for the new year was on your to-do list for the end of 2022. However, studies have shown that in a typical year, only 8% of people follow through with these goals and resolutions. This article is filled with 5 encouraging verses that will help you stay motivated on your goals and keep your eyes on the ultimate prize.
5 Encouraging Verses
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
”Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
This encouraging verse holds a lot of power. I love what Paul writes, “all good athletes are disciplined in their training… we do it for an eternal prize…so i run with purpose in every step.” When you are tempted to give up, think of this passage. Train hard, but run with your eternal prize in mind. In our case, this is heaven.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Often our goals and resolutions can become so self-centered and others driven. We want a better job to increase our social standing. We want to loose weight to gain the attention of others. This year, let’s change our thinking and work for our Heavenly Father. When healthy eating gets hard, and workouts become the most dreaded part of the day, take time to reflect on why you are truly doing it. When we are healthy and at our best, we can do more for the Kingdom than we could otherwise. Let this be your motivation this year and ask the Holy Spirit for help.
1 Timothy 2:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
We do not need to claim “imposter syndrome.” When you feel timidity, doubt or just laziness getting the better of you, remember you were given power and self-discipline. These are available to you because you are in Christ. Do not let your flesh get the best of you this year. Push through with the power that is at your fingertips.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This is one of my favorite verses. Whenever I am tempted to quit my self-care routines, this verse reminds me that my body is not my own. I was given this body in order that I complete the assignment I was given while here on earth. The way I take care of it is important. This includes making sure the things I am consuming, whether that be movies, books, music, or the people I am around, are beneficial for me spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I love that Paul says we were bought at a great price and urges us to honor God with our bodies. Knowing this fact helps us in staying persistent and motivated to accomplish our goals.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our lives as believers should be a billboard that attracts other people to Christ. When we are chasing after God and being persistent in our routines, our life become a light that points to Jesus.
I pray these encouraging verses guide you in this new year and that you would become more like Jesus every single day. Choose to honor God in the way you live and pursue your goals and resolutions this year and He will bless you abundantly.
