The head of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland says his resolution for 2010 is to journey with God.

Writing in the New Year edition of Salvation Army publication The War Cry, Commissioner John Matear said many people approached the new year with feelings of fear and intimidation.

He encouraged people to instead put their trust in God.

"Allow me to present a timeless solution as found in the Bible - ‘In the beginning God.....' (Genesis 1:1)," said Mr Matear.

"Here, at the open door of our present reality, is this New Year's resolution - to journey with God.

"Many people face the New Year with fear and intimidation. We're afraid of change, of the unknown, of the uncertainties of life. But God always gives us reason to ‘fear not'."

Mr Matear urged people not to let themselves be discouraged by past failures or difficulties but rather turn to God for their renewal.

"We may have been messed up and spoilt by any number of factors outside our control or by our own waywardness. But every day is a new day, and this New Year we can begin again with God.

He continued: "Sometimes the more we resolve to change, the more we feel as though we've failed.

"It is good then to take time for commitment and recommitment - to evaluate ourselves and seek direction from God - so that we become better people.

"We can never be the people God wants us to be unless we turn to him for the help we need."