Climbing up a flight of stairs to signify moving up in the world followed by dancing way past midnight were two New Year’s traditions for my family in Bolivia. As silly as they were, we continued them years after we arrived in the U.S. But all the dancing and celebration didn’t take away the uncertainty of the new year.

Secretly, we all wondered about what would tomorrow bring. What challenges would we face? And in the world, how much violence and bad news would we hear? What will happen to us, to our family?

If that uncertainty also burdens you this new year, there’s a cure.

It comes through something extremely powerful. That something is what will dictate your course. They possess the unique power that can change your mood, bring on a different outlook, rearrange priorities, and bring on emotional freedom. They are those invisible notions that rumble through the mind nonstop—all day, every fraction of every second of your waking hours.

Those are your thoughts. They have the ability to color the scenery of your life. Those thoughts paint your facial expression. They determine the words you say. Those words in turn, determine your attitude, thus formulating your habits. Those habits mold your character. And before you know it, your character dictates the decisions that trace your destiny.

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7 NIV)

It all began with that which fills your mind. Either have:

a) Thoughts of gloom because of the circumstance, or thoughts of the goodness of God.
b) Thoughts of your mistakes, gloom or shortcomings, or of God’s power and strength at work in you.
c) Thoughts of the violence that surrounds us, or thoughts of God’s peace that you can store within.

A new year calls for new thoughts about what is true, noble, right, pure, excellent, and praise worthy. (paraphrased Philippians 4:8)

These are the thoughts that empower, give life, nourish your attitude, and pave the path to sweet victory.

The world promises nothing. But God promises you a glorious experience if you ride in the vehicle of His Word, filling the mind with life-giving, God-honoring thoughts.

Let’s Pray: Father, in the midst of the noise of the world and the uncertainty for tomorrow, help me fill my mind with Your truth to live this coming year with purpose, confidence, and joy. In Jesus name. Amen.

What dictates your thoughts as we begin a new year?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet P. Eckles