The Ultimate New Years Resolutions

“New year. New you!” The headlines of all the ads and stories and articles in my feed read . . . and then proceed to show me a fifteen-minute workout that will jumpstart my mornings, five ways to be more productive in 2025, and one simple trick to do each night to get younger looking skin. Wait! Should I be using that cream? Infusing more flax seed into my diet? Switch detergents?

I’m guessing you’ve seen similar things. I’m all for taking care of the body and skin God gave us and for using the time God gave us well. But also . . . all of these “instant fixes” add more to-dos into our already very full lives. Even if they make our skin glow, these suggested New Year’s resolutions might overwhelm us as we attempt to incorporate them into our already packed schedules. And if we struggle to keep up with these new routines and lifehacks, we could feel as if we’re falling behind. 

What if instead of making resolutions to add more things into our lives in 2025, we resolved to slow down? 

To inhale and exhale? 

To put our phones down every now and then? 

To pause? 

To be present? 

To say no to overwhelming commitments? 

To take days off? 

To rest?

Because here’s the thing: Jesus invites us to rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28–29 NLT).

Are we taking Jesus up on this invitation—to come to Him and get rest? Or is Jesus’ invite just one more message we haven’t had time to respond to?

Personally, I have fears that if I rest or slow down, I’ll let somebody down. Or I’ll drop the ball. Or miss something—the opportunity, a way to prove my capabilities, the chance to sign up for the slot I want, the occasion to show I’m responsible or reliable or caring. Anyone else? 

But truth? Jesus’ perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). We don’t have to be afraid that things will fall apart at the seams if we rest, that we’ll be overlooked, or miss our chance. We can be confident that God can and will keep the things He wants going, going. That He’ll open the doors He wants us to walk through and give us the opportunities He wants us to step into. Even when we rest. He’s powerful and almighty like that. We don’t have to fear that the people we love will feel let down if we rest. They want goodness for us, and it might just model to them that they could use a break, too.

Turns out it all doesn’t depend on me or you. Whew! 

When I rest from my work, the work that really needs to get done, still somehow always gets done. And I return to work with a refreshed mind. When I take a day off from exercising, my body doesn’t fall apart. I’m actually more energized for the next workout. When I put my phone down, I’m able to respond to any messages I may have missed when I pick it back up. And when my phone isn’t buzzing, I’m less distracted from and more present to whatever is in front of me. When I don’t volunteer for that meal train or to bring the snack or work the ticket booth, somebody else always seems to fill the slot, and there are always more opportunities for me to volunteer. And when I “make” frozen pizzas for dinner, my family doesn’t think I’m the worst wife and mom ever. In fact, my kids cheer.

I’m not advocating for being lazy. God created work and gave us gifts and talents in which to make this world a better place. But with all the women I hang out with, laziness is not the issue. Instead, being overworked and overcommitted, which leads to being overwhelmed, is the cry of exhaustion I hear from so many friends. The world tells us we should be hustling. And adding in. And resolving to make all the changes. But Jesus invites us into rest. And the incredible thing is that when we slow down and prioritize rest and time with the Lord, we’re actually more productive during our working hours, more present for and loving to the people we care about. Our minds are clearer. Our bodies feel better. And yes, when we’re rested, our skin even looks healthier. I believe with all my heart and soul that if we take Jesus up on His beautiful offer to rest, that it will be the single best resolution we can make this year. 

So, here’s to slowing down, intentionally finding ways to pause and rest and breathe and savor in 2025, so that we can experience rest for our souls and a greater awareness of who God is and how much He loves us.

BIO: Laura L. Smith is an author, speaker, and podcaster. She’s written fourteen books including her most recent, The Urgency of Slowing Down. Smith lives in the charming college town of Oxford, Ohio with her husband and the youngest of their four young adult kids. There you’ll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the local farmer’s market, or teaching a Bible study. Find her at www.laurasmithauthor.com and @laurasmithauthor on Instagram.