Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. – Isaiah 43:8

God is in the business of making all things new. He gives us new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4). He makes His mercies new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). He fills each day with new hope and new possibilities.

And He has given us this new year.

Yes, it is a new year—not a carryover of the old one, but a fresh start. It is an opportunity to purge our existences of dead, worthless old things and allow God to work out that newness of life He so richly promises.

Got a bad attitude toward your husband? It’s time to kick it to the curb.

Spending a little too much time on social media? Commit to redeeming that time and applying it toward real relationships.

Obsessing about things you wish were different? Let go and let God deal with it.

Are you packing on the pounds, even ever-so-slowly? Be conscious of your portion sizes, and take baby steps toward making better choices.

Speaking of health, did you leave your exercise routine in the dust in the previous year? Try again, and find something that works for you. Enlist a friend if you find strength in numbers.

Have you slipped back into old habits with your tongue? Daily ask God to set a guard over your mouth, and ask God to search your heart to reveal and unroot the cause (Luke 6:45).

With the holidays behind us, do you realize you’ve been neglecting relationships throughout the year? Make yourself more accessible, and enjoy time with people you love.

Have you surrounded yourself with people who drag you down and prevent you from becoming the best possible version of yourself? Time to break ties and cultivate new friendships.

Have you pushed aside your Bible reading and prayer time for what seems like more pressing concerns? Instead of continuing to feel bad about losing that time, find a way to make it a priority.

Has it been so long since you regularly went to church that you’re going to feel awkward going back? Do it anyway.

Got a project that’s been on your to-do list for years on end? Find a way to take it on bit by bit so you can eventually see measurable results.

Let’s face it. You already know what needs to change in your life. You’ve just felt powerless to change it. But you’re not.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.—2 Timothy 1:7

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, He increases strength.—Isaiah 40:29

As you pray about the habits you need to purge and the new habits you need to instill, you can have every confidence that God will give you sufficient grace to make this a truly new year.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.—Colossians 1:9-12

Whatever it is you need to do, you can do it. He can help.