
To the Woman Who Feels Tired Going Into the New Year-By Allison Mattson
Rest this time of year sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Picture yourself curled up by a crackling fire, a steaming cup of coffee or tea in hand. Calming music plays softly in the background as you flip through the pages of a favorite book or jot intimate thoughts in a journal.
While we might long for this idyllic scene, such peaceful moments may feel out of reach. Even as the holidays wind down, between the pressure to set New Year’s resolutions, endless to-do lists, and everyday commitments, the new year can feel anything but restful.
I know what it’s like to feel enormous pressure going into the new year—to feel like you didn’t accomplish enough in the previous one and that you need to perform to feel worthwhile.
But I’m here to tell you there’s another way.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your life.
You don’t have to create ambitious goals.
You don’t have to be a new person.
Christ came as a baby not to put you in bondage, striving to earn your worth, but to set you free. You are free from having to earn His love or His presence. He came to give you true life in Him, and that life isn’t found by checking all the boxes or succeeding in the eyes of the world.
Instead, we find true life when we follow Him—when we abide in Him and make Him our home. That means choosing Him each day in the small, everyday moments. Lasting growth takes time. It won’t happen overnight. But we can trust He will work in us when we rely on Him every step of the way. You don’t have to strive in the new year.
Instead, you can rest where God has placed you and take slow, intentional steps in your walk with Him—planting one seed at a time.
Ready to start planting? Allison’s free scripture reading plan is the perfect place to start. She created it for women like you—women who want to prioritize their walks with God but often feel too overwhelmed and busy to do so. With a brief daily scripture reading and weekly reflection questions, you’ll be encouraged to set your mind on Christ and develop daily habits to help you grow in your faith.

