Nine days into the new year, I have one resolution on my heart – to draw nearer to Jesus. 

One way I plan to do this is by spending more time with Him in the silence.

Lastnight, before I fell asleep, I asked my guardian angel and the Holy Spirit to wake me early in the morning, before my alarm rings – and to get me out of bed. These two things do not always happen in tandem, right?!

As if on cue, at 4:45 a.m., I was awakened by our German Shepherd, who wanted to go outside. The wind was howling as I walked with her through the door and into the morning air. A wintry mix of snow and rain brushed my cheeks. As we made our way across the lawn, I couldn’t help but smile as I realized what had happened – my guardian angel and the Holy Spirit were hard at work, and there was no turning back. I was up and starting my day!

By 5:30 a.m., I was sitting at my table, with coffee in hand. I turned to the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, which details the empty tomb and Jesus’ subsequent appearances to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. It’s quite a scene – filled with two distinct calls to action. First, Jesus does all that He can to help the disciples believe that it is truly Him, risen from the dead. In particular, He shows the disciples the wounds from the crucifixion, on His hands and His side. (John 20: 20).

Second, as He breathes and prays over them, Jesus says these words to them:

“’Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” John 20: 22

Later in the chapter, Jesus meets up with Thomas, one of the disciples who doubts that He is risen from the dead. Jesus shows Thomas His wounds and says to him,

“’Stop doubting and believe.’” John 20: 27

Before we can do anything else well, we must first believe.

Jesus speaks so plainly to His disciples – and to all of us today – about how we can remain near to Him:

BELIEVE. FORGIVE.

What would happen if we focused more on Jesus’ gentle commands? What would change for us and for others in this new year?  

I bet if we believed more, we would readily get out of bed, to have time with the Lord in silence and to plan out our days together. We would reprioritize our time and look for more opportunities to genuinely help others. We would have more peace, even when chaos swirls around us. We would turn to Him first, when we are not sure what to do, and He would help us to stay focused on goodness.

I bet if we forgave more, we would more readily see Christ in one another. We would have more patience with each other – and with ourselves. We would certainly be more humble and more aware of the gifts of others around us. We would feel more hopeful and joyful.

We would draw and remain nearer to Jesus.

Jesus continues to call to us in the new year.

BELIEVE. FORGIVE.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 31-32