It’s Resolution Time.

It’s resolution time in America. My chief resolution is to do something that I have done for nearly 40 years. I resolve to read the Bible through in 2024. It is the best book, but not necessarily an easy read. Bible reading requires prioritizing and diligence.

Something has changed with regard to resolutions. Ten years ago, the top ten resolutions were what you might expect:

Lose weight

Get organized

Spend less, save more

Enjoy life to the fullest

Stay fit and healthy

Learn something exciting

Quit smoking

Help others in their dreams

Fall in love

Spend more time with family

Each of these is a worthy resolution. My research then was based on a google search.

According to a December 19, 2023 post by Forbes Health, the number one resolution headed into 2024 is “improved mental health.” I am surprised by that. Among young adults age 18-25, 50% listed it as their number 1 resolution. Ages 26-41 followed at 49%, listing it as the priority. Only 39% of ages 42-57 listed it as number 1. I guess if you are over age 57 it doesn’t matter.

Note that “improved mental health” didn’t make the list ten years ago. But that was before the last ten years of heightened fear that we are destroying the planet and our young people have nothing to expect but disaster. That was before a pandemic, vaccines, shut- downs and face masks. That was before another decade of school shootings. That was before the last election and the confusion that followed. That was before a dysfunctional government. That was before the October 7th invasion of Israel by Hamas and the increased antisemitism worldwide. That was before we felt we were looking out over Armageddon.

No wonder we need improved mental health. My prescription for improved mental health is as old as Solomon. Consider these words from Proverbs 3:5,6.

I am resolved to “Trust in the Lord with all my heart and not depend on my own understandings. I will acknowledge him in all my ways and he will direct my path.”