January is often associated with the word "new". New year’s resolutions, new schedules, new professors or bosses, etc. Sometimes the newness is exciting and refreshing, and sometimes it’s overwhelming. We can get distracted by trying to balance our new routines and stick to our resolutions that we forget about finding our purpose through it all. We are burdened with the business of full schedules that it can be hard to remember to rejoice The One who gave them to us. We were meant to spread the gospel everywhere we go, so a season of full days is the perfect opportunity to do so. Matthew 28:19-20 says it so well: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” We were sent to make disciples of our Holy God, and our classes, jobs, and extracurriculars are the perfect places for that.
It is also important to note the ending sentence of that verse. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” January’s newness is a certain kind of overwhelming that can be unmatched. We do often get lost in trying to keep up with everything that is so new, and forget we can also lean on the Lord. When feeling stressed and lost, it can be hard to keep pushing. But prayer is the perfect push. These times are the ideal times to lean onto God and ask him for strength to keep us going. He is the one that can provide us persistence and strength in all things weary.
So while this month could’ve been overwhelming with all things new, remember to stay present and persistent in prayer. Use this time to go and make disciples of all nations in your classes, jobs, and anywhere else your feet are planted .