What Do You Need?

Jan Broersma Thoughts for the Week

Just in case we didn’t buy enough and receive enough during the holiday season… there are the January sales! At this time of year, many of us are mall-weary, and unhappily facing December’s aftermath in the form of our credit card bills. Yet, the stores are doing what they can to lure us back, and many of us are biting. Why? It seems we’re never quite content with what we have, even after a season of frenzied buying, giving, and receiving.

Of course, we’re focused on more than just material things at this time of year. January is also the season of hopeful new resolutions to improve our health, our habits, or our relationships. And while resolving to make positive changes is a good thing, it can also be unsettling, as with every new year we see how many things still need improving. We’re never quite content with ourselves, either.

What do we really need in 2016? Perhaps it’s something we can’t buy in a January sale. And perhaps it’s something we can’t do all by ourselves.

I know that for myself this year, I’ll try to get less distracted by all the things I think I need and want, and focus more on the things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2), and on gaining “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). I know I’ll try to eat healthy and exercise more, but that those things in themselves won’t make me content; rather, I’ll admit that my greatest need is a spiritual one, for forgiveness and peace with God.

What about you? What do you really need in this year? Do you know where to find it?