Every New Year’s Eve, I find myself sticking to traditions—making sure the laundry’s done, tidying up, cooking collard greens and black-eyed peas, while reflecting on the past year. I think about the wins, the setbacks, but, most importantly, give thanks to God for guiding me through it all. For keeping my family safe to countless blessings, I’m grateful for everything, big and small. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)

Yesterday, on the last day of the year, I had a conversation with a caller. (for those of you who don’t know I work in IT) She asked if I planned to make any New Year’s resolutions. I told her, “I’ve learned not to make promises I can’t keep.” She laughed and said that was a great answer.

Still, her question stuck with me, and I kept hearing the thought, “These are traditions of men” throughout the day. Honestly, I’ve never believed in luck, good or bad. That dismisses the whole idea behind some of these traditions. I believe in divine appointments, blessings, and when things go wrong, I look for the lesson—whether it’s about faith or realizing I made a choice without considering God first.

In our house, laundry gets done weekly, and I clean regularly—not just for New Year’s. Collard greens and black-eyed peas are part of my meals throughout the year. If these traditions were tied to luck, I’d be the luckiest person alive. But that’s not the case, and luck has never been my focus. But the word of God has.

That’s why traditions of men stuck in my mind—reflecting on what Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees… He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition… making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7:9 and 13 NKJV)

So, from now on my resolution is to leave men’s traditions alone and try to better seek God’s word. Because I need his Word to be effective in my life and desire the same for others. Men’s traditions leave you exasperated, exhausted and empty, but God’s word revives your spirit, renews your mind, and restores your soul.

I would like to thank all of my loyal readers and supporters throughout this past year. Thank you all so very much for every like and every comment. For taking the time out of your day to stop by here. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV)

Happy New Year from rhemalogy.com!

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