Rest or Wrestle in 2024?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (I Tim. 6:6-7)

In 2024, will we still be obsessed with our bodies?

We check the scale. We study ourselves critically/longingly/wistfully in the mirror. We hit the gym. We dress to reflect self-assurance. We eat veggies. Wait. No! Only organic. Wait! No! Carbs are okay. Wait! No! Cleanse…”

Of course, we should keep fit and eat right. But in our self-improvement regimen, keeping our minds free of  worry carries more weight than wrestling about EVERYTHING.

And who sets the standard for what “improves” the inner me? Is it me?

How absurd to use inconsistent “me” as the metric (standard) for self-improvement! The “me metric” dithers according to the weather. Resolutions degrade like old celluloid film.

What if we began 2024 by replacing our “me metric” with one that is actually reachable? A reachable metric exists—and so does God’s invitation to walk with him through the new year.

Our Ultimate Metric is a person. His name is Immanuel (meaning God with us). His birth name is Jesus. His title: Christ: (Messiah, the Anointed One).

Jesus is also called The Word of God.

Jesus does not require pain and strain to reach him. He is closer than our thoughts or the cry upon our lips.

Take this with you into 2024: Our upside-down world may fall to pieces—but we can rest our way into this New Year, because Jesus is the one reachable Metric in our lives.

Jesus said,

 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Rest your way into 2024–with Jesus.