Dear 2017,

I realized that no matter how hard I try, I can’t control everything. Shocking, right? It sounds obvious, but it’s a lot harder to accept than it seems. So, I am giving you to God. I am not going to try and control you. I mean, there’s really no point for me to worry over something I can’t change. Instead, I will simply pray, let go and let God be in control.

I have decided that whatever you throw at me will not weigh me down.

Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” I’m not going to face you on my own. I’ll admit, I would fail, but so would anyone else. Don’t get too excited, though, because God is going to help me fight these battles with full force.

Yes, I will probably struggle with this, and yes, you might get the best of me on some occasions, but I’m not going to give in. In 2016, I let things that were out of my reach upset me; things I was so fixated on. However, this year I refuse to be distracted. I will set my mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). Why should I focus on you, who is wavering and full of uncertainty, when I could be looking towards Christ, who is always the same and reminds me of His plans for my life, never mind my year? It sounds pretty simple when I put it that way, doesn't it?

“But last year was so horrible.” “It’s only going to get worse from here.” “We have no hope.”

Wow, thanks for the encouragement, 2017! Just because your friend 2016 struggled a bit doesn’t mean you have to be so negative and narrow sighted. I am not going to let the past determine my future. What is done is done, and I’ve accepted the fact that it is out of my control now. You should do that, too.

In Philippians 3:13, Paul writes, “I focus on one thing: forgetting the past and looking toward what lies ahead.”

I want to be like Paul. Paul dealt with some pretty harsh situations, but he continued to be joyful. He had this joy solely based on his focus on Jesus. Without Jesus, he would have failed, and so will I this year if I do not do the same. Also, he handled a lot worse things, so I think I can handle you.

This year isn’t going to be my year. It is is never going to be my year, and it shouldn’t be. That would consist of focusing on myself, and we both know that would end up being a pretty lousy year. 2017 is God’s year. You are in God’s control whether you like it or not, so it’s better if you hear it now rather than later. That being said, I am walking into this year blind-folded, completely unsure of how it will turn out, but completely trusting in God’s plan. So, 2017, do your thing. I’m ready.

Sincerely,

Madison