January 22, 2026

Hey guys, 

I hope you're having a great week. This week’s Thought comes from Psalm 33:11. There, David says, “But the Lord's plans stand firm forever. His intentions can never be shaken.” 

As I write this, it's January 20. “National Quitters Day” was last Friday, January 16th. I didn’t even know there was such a thing, but whoever “they” are, assumed you would give up on your New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday of the month! I was teaching my Sunday School class this past Sunday, and I asked them the question “How many of you guys are still holding strong to your New Year's resolution?” Not a single hand went up. 

I thought, “Oh my goodness, I'm talking to all those quitters!” I said, “Well, if you're no longer holding strong to your resolutions, why did you quit?”

Nobody said anything. I tapped the imaginary microphone and said, “Is this on? Are y'all hearing me? Why did you quit?”

They said, “We didn't quit. We didn’t make any.” Okay…I guess that's a third choice I hadn’t considered!

“Why did you guys not make New Year's resolutions?” 

A couple of people said, “Well, if it's what I'm supposed to be doing, I need to be doing it already. January 1st doesn't have anything to do with that.” Ok, that's fair.

Then a few others said, “I’ve made so many resolutions in the past, and I failed shortly after, I just decided not to make any because I didn't want to fail.”

Fear of failure. It permeates our culture.

I've messed up plenty of times. I've tried to change things in my life, whether that intersected with January 1st or not, and I've come up short plenty of times. But to live a life in fear of failure and not even try to accomplish the things that we need to accomplish in this life…that is NOT what God has called us to! The phrase “Fear not” is found in Scripture 365 times! Think about that…a reminder that we were not designed to be fearful for every day of the year!!

If you are one of those who don't make resolutions or try not to change because you're so afraid of failing, hang on to this verse today. Psalm 33:11– “But the Lord's plans stand firm forever. His intentions can never be shaken.” 

Love you guys,

John