Protection From Distractions: Guest Post from Author & Podcast Host: Tracie Lobstein

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:14

It's that time of year again—when many are energized by the calendar turning to make self-improvements.

One of the downfalls of New Year’s Resolutions is that, for a temporary time, we often become so eager to meet our resolutions that we become consumed and lose our focus of what matters most.

To keep our priorities healthy, let’s consider a few questions:

Do your efforts to meet your resolutions get accomplished at the expense of something more important?

Do you need support to meet your resolutions?

Why do you want to make this change in your life?

What may distract you, preventing your efforts from being successful?

New Year's Resolutions aren't specifically found in scripture, but Peter encourages the church to maintain their focus while others (scoffers) could distract them from what matters most.

Assuming our resolution aligns with scripture, let’s look at Peter’s message to the church when he encourages them to maintain their focus while educating them about what is to come.

In 2 Peter 3:1, Peter encourages his audience to maintain wholesome thinking. He then shares distractions to expect during the Day of the Lord. In verse 14, he summarizes his message with a “So then.” Why does he do this? It’s likely because when we become preoccupied with our daily interactions, events, and internal and external pressures, we can lose sight of other, sometimes more important aspects.

Don’t allow New Year’s Resolutions to distract you from what matters most, but if Jan 1st is the best time for you to make a healthy change, do so while protecting what matters most.

Remember, self-improvement is a year-round endeavor. And God’s promises are going to come to fruition. So then, remember Peter’s encouragement while focusing on your resolution to “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.”

And if you need support, remember that Peter was talking to the church.

Trust Begins Where Unbelief Ends--

Reference List: New International Version (2020). The NIV Study Bible. Zondervan.

Journal Prompts:

• How do your goals line up with scripture?

• Consider how maintaining wholesome thoughts can contribute to successfully meeting your New Year's Resolution.

• Create a list of needs that must be addressed to achieve your goal.

• Consider changes you will experience when you meet your goal.

• Consider who you could ask to support you in your goal.

• Turn your journaling into prayers and praises.

Learn more about Tracie and connect with her at tracielobstein.com