Growing beyond Resolutions: Learning to build with God

Some years ago, I wrote a blog post about New Year’s resolutions. Recently, as I read it again, I realised that the message I had hoped to convey was lost in translation. Emotions seemed to take over, and in doing so, they diluted the understanding I intended to share.

That realisation stayed with me, and after the sermon at church on the first Sunday of the year, I felt prompted to revisit the topic.

The sermon was deeply insightful and rich in wisdom. It spoke about how, at the beginning of a new year, we often rush into making plans and setting goals—which is not a bad thing. Planning is good. Vision is good. Growth is good. However, the sermon highlighted something we often overlook: in our eagerness to plan, we frequently leave God out of the process.

There is a powerful reminder in Psalm 127:1:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1, NIV)

This scripture reframes how we should approach new beginnings. It reminds us that effort alone is not enough if God is not at the centre of what we are building.

As we are still settling into 2026, this feels like an invitation to pause. To slow down just enough to ask for wisdom and guidance from our Creator—the One who knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb. The One who sent us into this world with a purpose. Scripture cautions us to remember that while we are in this world, we are not of it.

In a culture that celebrates constant achievement, productivity, and visible success, it is easy to become consumed with ticking off accomplishments from our vision boards. But in doing so, we risk losing sight of God’s way. We risk dulling our discernment and falling into traps that pull us further away from Him, even when what we are chasing looks “good” on the surface.

As we plan and set goals, may we intentionally invite God into every part of the process. Not as an afterthought, but as our foundation. Let us ask Him to guide us along the path He has already prepared for us.

And let us also be honest enough to acknowledge that being led by God does not mean the journey will be easy. Obedience does not remove challenges. Purpose does not cancel discomfort. With that understanding, may we ask not only for direction, but also for the spirit of understanding and the grace to endure, grow, and remain anchored in Him.

Perhaps this year, the greatest resolution we can make is not what we plan to achieve—but who we choose to build with.