On March 14 this year, it was time to spring forward. I have always loved observing Daylight Saving Time. This practice of advancing the clocks by one hour to allow more sunlight at the end of each day reminds me of playing outside, riding bikes, and visiting with neighbors as we watched the sunset.
Each spring as the clocks moved forward, there was the eager anticipation of summer, and for me, relief knowing the dark, winter months were coming to an end. There was something about resetting the clock that also reset my mood and activities.
As we spring forward this year, what do you need to reset in your life? We all may need to rethink, restart, or renew our commitments or priorities in some way.
- Spiritual reset. How are you growing and maturing spiritually? Are you still committed to that Bible reading plan, Bible study, or daily devotional? Do you feel like your relationship with Jesus is moving forward, or has it fallen behind in your list of priorities?
Remember Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus”—no judgment or shame for whatever we lack or feel that we have failed because Jesus has set us free. The spiritual disciplines we practice are for our benefit—not a requirement for our salvation. Feel the freedom to reset! Pick up where you left off in that Bible reading plan. Go back to your Bible study or move on to another. The goal is to daily spend time in God’s Word and prayer and to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus. The goal is not to check off the boxes on a to-do list.
- Physical reset. As the clock moves forward, it may be time to restart that wellness plan. The healthy eating or exercise plan may have started well in January, but then there was February. For whatever reason, you lost momentum.
Remember Philippians 1:6, “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Life is full of starts and stops—and restarts. Healthy eating and exercise are lifelong pursuits. God created you and gave you breath. He is not finished with you, so reset. Adjust your wellness plan as needed and begin again. Make sure your goals are attainable. Instead of exercising six days a week, begin with two. And if you miss a day on your healthy eating plan because you ate a dessert, don’t give up.
- Emotional or mental reset. Life is full of unexpected challenges. How are you emotionally and mentally? We often set goals to help our spiritual growth or physical health at the beginning of a new year. But we can often forget about the need to care for our emotional and mental health.
Remember Philippians 4:8: “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”
What is your mind focused on as you spring forward into the coming months? Are you in a season of grief, loss, or suffering? How are the challenges you face each day impacting your relationships with others? Do you need to reset your thinking in any way? It takes energy and effort to change undesirable thinking or habits to good. Fill your mind with things that point you toward Jesus. Be patient with yourself but don’t settle for prolonged struggles with your emotional or mental health. Allow the Lord to renew your mind and seek the help of others if you are overwhelmed, always emotional, or feel like you can’t see or move beyond your circumstances.
- Social reset. Often in the winter months, we can seclude ourselves. It may be the weather, the shorter daylight hours, or spikes with the pandemic that cause us to stay home more than normal. But we were created for community. God designed us for relationships with Him and with others.
Remember John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as He has loved them. One of the ways we demonstrate our love for Jesus is when we love others well and when we put aside our own needs to help meet the needs of others. How are your relationships? Are there people that you need to reconnect with as you reset your social life? How might you serve others in your community if you reset your time for social interactions? Everyone needs good, trustworthy friendships. How are you developing your social life?
God has always had plans for His people. We see throughout Scripture how He restores, renews, and redeems His people. God promises to restore Israel in Isaiah 43:19 and includes these words to His people: “Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
God makes a way for His people by doing something new. What do you sense He wants to make new in you? How does God want to reset your life this spring? How might He help you spring forward into His plan?
Michelle Hicks is the managing editor for Journey devotional magazine with Lifeway Women. Michelle served as a freelance writer, campus minister, and corporate chaplain before coming to Lifeway. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle has a deep hunger for God’s Word and wants others to discover the abundant life they can have with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
