There’s something about the calendar changing from December 31st of one year to January 1st of the next. It seems momentous. The whole world celebrates.

Or rather, they party. It’s not necessarily a joyous occasion. At the turn of the millennium, many people were terrified. Y2K was going to crash all the computers and send us into a new dark age of chaos. People still partied, but some of the parties took a dark, apocalyptic turn.

There’s nothing actually special about midnight on December 31st. It’s a day just like any other except for the solar dating methods introduced by Julius Caesar (and later reformed for accuracy.) Because of that calendar, we have the special day when the year counts up by one.

Because of the new year, it feels like a chance at being a new person in some way. I can start a new lifestyle in hopes of being healthier or wealthier or happier or… But the change I make at the new year is artificial. Because nothing has actually changed in me. If I am determined enough, maybe I can continue with my new ways. Maybe.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

There is one real way to become a whole new me. The change in me that happens when I give Jesus control is real, lasting, and momentous. I don’t have to rely on my own will power for this lifestyle change. I have all of God’s power and infinite resources at my disposal. He promises to work with me to make the changes. Real positive changes. Until I look more like Him. A whole new me.

Dear God, thank you for making me a new person, for providing your strength so I can be a better person than I have been. I want to be your child and look like you. I’m sorry for thinking I can be better all by myself. I can’t. I need you.