New Year, New Rhythm - Jake Vaden

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with moments of joy, rest, and reflection on the gift of Jesus. As we move from celebrating His birth into the final days of the year, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and think about where we’re heading.

The start of a new year often stirs a desire for change, but lasting transformation rarely happens by accident. It’s like steering a boat: if you don’t set a clear course, you’ll drift wherever the currents take you. Intentionality is the rudder that keeps you moving in the right direction. 

As we enter 2025, consider crafting a “rule of life”—a simple framework of habits and practices that help align your life with God’s purposes. These habits don’t have to be grand gestures; they can be small but meaningful choices, like pausing for prayer throughout your day, starting mornings with Scripture, or carving out time each week for rest and connection.

What might this look like for you? Perhaps it’s choosing to begin each day in the quiet before God instead of reaching for your phone. Maybe it’s prioritizing time with family or friends over a shared meal to nurture relationships. Or perhaps it’s dedicating one day a week to step back from busyness and embrace Sabbath rest. These habits aren’t about adding more to your to-do list—they’re about reshaping how you live. Just as James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, reminds us, small and consistent changes lead to significant transformation over time. If this idea resonates, you can explore creating your own rule of life with the help of an online resource like Practicing the Way. It’s a simple tool to guide you in crafting rhythms that can draw you closer to Jesus.

As we reflect on 2024 and dream about 2025, my prayer is that we’ll not only set realistic and beneficial goals but also establish habits that allow God to change us in lasting ways!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

 

Jake Vaden
Family Pastor | Hope City Church