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            Do you ever face a new year wishing that somehow, someway the world could be instantly better in the new year? Do you ever wish that evil could take a sudden downturn? That murders could stop? That sex traffickers could run out of victims? That drug cartels could lose their suppliers and takers? That political voices could find reasonable solutions? That road rage would end? That racism would no longer be seen, heard or practiced? That somehow, someway, 2026 could be different? It’s a pipe dream I know. To borrow the words of Peter, “all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter. 3:4).
            I was watching the Beatle’s Anthology recently. Their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, was seen by over 73 million viewers. Recalling that event George Harrison said that so many people watched it that even the criminals in New York City gave it a rest for ten minutes.  Wow!
            There is no quick fix for the sinful state of our world. Change and improvement can only happen in the lives of people one person at a time. And the change will be as quick as repentance takes hold of the human heart. Peter, preaching in that temple setting, told his hearers, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
            If you want to become a better person, change is a part of growth, and repentance is where change begins. We talk about new year’s resolutions, but looking ahead may put distance between us and the need at hand. A better approach is to live one day at a time. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). In the same context Jesus said, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (vss. 33-34). For us this means to live each day for Christ and his kingdom. Put them first and everything else will fall into place as it should.
            Pray for the help you need today. “Lord, give me the patience I need not to lose my temper today. Please keep me off my phone so much and away from those internet sites today. Help my thoughts to be like those of Philippians 4:8 today!”