Many of us began the year by making plans. But for those of us who struggle — maybe emotionally, maybe financially — just to get through each day, planning for the future might feel like a privilege that’s out of reach.

Scripture, however, does not talk much about planning or forecasting. Instead, it tells us to be hopeful and to wait on God’s promises.

There is a philosophy in Javanese culture — part of my native Indonesia — called Nrimo. It means to accept all gifts or circumstances as they are, without demanding more.

I used to be not very fond of this philosophy, because it sounds like a lack of self-determination. But after years of living in the United States, I think Nrimo is not too bad.

When I first came to the United States, I lived in New York City. I saw hustle and bustle every day. Everyone seemed eager to go somewhere and looked busy doing something.

What were they chasing after?

Some would say they were pursuing “the American dream.”

This got me thinking about what the American dream really is.

In 1931, the writer James Truslow Adams coined the phrase “the American dream.” He said: “Life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

But who is everyone, and what are the rules?

If “everyone” means only a particular group of people, and if the rules (and rewards) only apply to that group, then I’m afraid the cost of a better life for some is a bitter life for another.

I’m not against pursuing a better life. But Scripture tells us to chase after something else: Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

As followers of Jesus, we have a mission to care for the least, the last and the lost.

This, too, is a dream. Let’s call it “the Jesus dream.”

The Jesus dream is not only about oneself but about others. It is not about individual achievement but community improvement.

I think the Jesus dream requires a balance of Nrimo — contentment with what we have — and “grit”: determination to work for a better life for oneself and one’s community.

How do we keep this balance? How do we navigate this calling in a broken world? How do we keep our own peace while fighting injustice? How do we minister in a world of uncertainty?

As this year began, I resolved to pray more and ask for God’s direction. This is not just a new-year thing. Any time is a good time to resolve to pray.

I believe that when we pray for wisdom, God will give it to us (James 1:5). If we trust God with all our heart — if we submit and do not lean on our own understanding — God will make our path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

This resolution was unusual for me, because I stopped making new year’s resolutions years ago. But, because I am celebrating my 40th birthday this month, I decided to make a resolution again. A resolution to pray more.

I’ve heard that you can’t stumble when you are on your knees. I could not agree more.

Prayers do not need to be our own words. Many of the psalms are prayers that have expressed believers’ hopes and joys, anguish and pleas, for thousands of years.

Modern prayers also express the deep longings of our hearts. I love the Serenity Prayer by the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. It strikes a balance between Nrimo and grit — an acceptance of life as it is and a resolve to make life better.

Almost everyone has heard the first part of this famous prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

The rest of the prayer (several versions with small differences can be found) is less well-known. But I find it meaningful too — voicing a balance of acceptance and resolve, a steadfast faith through life’s ups and downs.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that you will make all things right
If I surrender to your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with you forever in the next. Amen.

This is how I want to live. This is my Jesus dream and my daily prayer.