New Year, New Start: Drawing Closer to God

As another year begins, many of us find ourselves swept up in the familiar rhythm of setting resolutions and goals. The phrase “New Year, New Me” echoes everywhere, urging us to get fitter, eat healthier, read more, or finally tackle the long list of self-improvements we’ve been postponing. It’s easy to become absorbed in the idea of self-betterment, and with good intentions, we commit ourselves to these changes. Yet, if we’re honest, most resolutions often fizzle out before the first month ends. I know this all too well—last year, my own list of goals was quickly abandoned. This year, though, I want to take a different approach, one that isn’t entirely centred on myself and my achievements, but rather on something that offers deeper fulfilment: drawing closer to God. 

Pause and Reflect

Beginning anew means taking stock of where we have been. It’s recommended to pause and reflect on the year just gone by. Consider the moments when you felt close to the Lord, and also the times when you distanced yourself from Him. Reflection is not about dwelling on shortcomings or regrets, but rather about recognising patterns—what drew you closer to God, and what pulled you away? In those areas where you struggled or felt weak, invite the Lord into your journey. Ask Him to walk with you through the coming year, to guide you, and remain present in every aspect of your life. 

Be Present

Last year, we had a talk by Jim Deeds at one of our retreats. One of the most striking things he said was, “You can’t get there, you can only be there.” At first, his words seemed puzzling. Aren’t we all striving to “get there,” to reach some spiritual milestone or achieve a deeper faith? But his point was profound: so much of our effort to do, achieve, and perfect can actually stand in the way of simply being with Christ. We often fill our days with activities, programmes, and spiritual checklists, hoping that if we do enough, we’ll be better children of God. Yet, this constant striving can distract us from the simple, transformative act of being still in God’s presence. 

Jesus Himself calls us to be still and listen. His voice is often gentle, a quiet whisper amid the noise of daily life. To truly hear Him, we must intentionally create moments of calm and silence. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through Eucharistic Adoration. Sitting in the presence of Christ, allowing ourselves to rest and simply “be,” is a profound blessing. It is in this stillness that we open the door to His grace and guidance. He is always with us, ready to enter our hearts if only we make space for Him. 

St Augustine expressed this longing beautifully when he wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Within every human soul is an innate desire for God and spiritual fulfilment—a desire no worldly pursuit can satisfy. Whether we chase after pleasure, achievements, or recognition, a deep part of us remains unsatisfied. We sense that there is greater meaning to our existence, one that transcends what the world can offer. True contentment, therefore, comes from cultivating a meaningful relationship with our Creator. 

Let the BIble Inspire You

We can develop this friendship with God through familiarity with the Scriptures and looking to the example of the saints. The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who learned to trust God, often in the most challenging circumstances. Their journeys remind us that spiritual growth is not about perfection, but about genuine relationship and openness to God’s love. Likewise, the saints were not flawless individuals; many struggled and faltered on their path. Yet, their lives inspire us to persevere, seek forgiveness, and continually turn to God. 

So, as we step into this new year, perhaps it’s worth rethinking our resolutions. Instead of focusing solely on self-improvement or ticking boxes, we might consider how we can deepen our relationship with God. This could mean setting aside time each day for prayer, reading a passage of Scripture, or simply sitting in silence before the Blessed Sacrament. It might involve reaching out to others in kindness, serving those in need, or forgiving someone who has hurt us. Each of these actions, no matter how small, draws us closer to God and reflects His love to the world. 

And Remember….

Of course, the journey will not always be easy. There will be days when we feel distant or distracted, when prayer seems dry or life’s demands overwhelm us. But in those moments, we can remember that God’s love is constant. He does not require perfection, only our willingness to draw near and let Him work in us. When we stumble, we can start again, trusting in His mercy and grace. So let’s make space for stillness, seek out the voice of Christ, and allow ourselves to rest in His love. By doing so, we may discover a hope and fulfilment that surpasses anything the world can offer, and truly experience a new beginning grounded in faith.  

A Prayer for Our New Year Intentions

Lord, as we enter this new year, help us seek You above all things and rest in Your love. Guide our steps, fill us with hope, and make us instruments of Your peace. Remain with us always. Amen.