Today is the beginning of a new year. It is a fresh start in a year that has no failures or disappointments as of yet.

I heard quite a few people mention that last year was a rough year and this year has got to be better. Maybe you faced illness, failure, death, accidents, or just a lot of disappointments. How can you make this year a joyful one?

First of all we need to start our year out with God. “Only in God is my soul at rest. For He alone is my hope.” Psalm 62:5

Maybe our last years New Years resolution was to lose weight or to eat more healthy. And we failed to accomplish that. Now is the time to start over. Get an accountability partner who can help you and cheer you on. You can do it!

You want to improve your marriage but you feel like giving up. Try to do everything to please your partner. Text him that you love him. Make his favorite meal. Keep working at it. It maybe hard but never give up.

You may be facing an illness. Count your blessings. There is always someone who has it worse. Maybe you can cheer them up.

Maybe you are a mother with lots of little ones and some days it is almost overwhelming. I remember those days! Now I look back and wish I would have enjoyed them more as they went by so fast. Find someone to watch your children for a few hours and enjoy a date with your husband.

You may be a single parent and find it difficult and lonely. Find someone who has walked that journey and have them help you.

Maybe your goal was to declutter your house or your closets and you didn’t get it accomplished. Try again this year. You may get further and every little bit helps.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, be joyful! Let not the things of this world rob us of our joy. There can always be joy in the journey even in difficult situations.

So as we start a New Year with a fresh start, let’s make it our goal to have the best year ever with God as our guide.