A new year gives us a fresh opportunity to walk more closely with God, and these 12 Bible verses point us toward simple goals that can shape our faith through the year.
Many of us step into a new year carrying hopes and questions in our hearts. We want peace. We want clarity. We want to grow in faith, even when life feels uncertain.
God already walks ahead of us into this new season. He knows what is coming. And He gives us His Word to guide us, one step at a time.
Instead of trying to change everything at once, we can focus on simple goals that meet us right where we are.
1. Trust God With What Lies Ahead
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Many of us carry different worries as we step into the new year. Some think about family needs. Others worry about work, finances, health, or the future.
We plan, we calculate, and we still feel uneasy. But as children of God, do we really need to carry these burdens inside? God already knows what lies ahead, and He asks us to trust Him.
Let us place our concerns in His hands and walk forward in trust.
2. Walk in Love
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Love is the most important thing God wants us to have in our daily lives. But practicing love in our day-to-day interactions can be harder than it sounds.
We deal with misunderstandings, sharp words, and old wounds that are not healed yet. But God calls us to love even when it costs us something.
When we pray about the challenges we face that prevent us from loving others, God heals our hearts and helps us show His love to others.
Let us walk in love and reflect the love of Christ through our words and actions.
3. Seek God Daily
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33
God doesn’t want us to be part-time believers, only on Sundays or when problems arise. He wants us to walk with Him every day.
It’s normal that our days fill up with work, family duties, and distractions that keep us busy. But we must still make time to be with God.
Let us make time for God each day and seek Him before everything else.
4. Find Strength in the Lord
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him.” Psalm 28:7
There are seasons when we feel tired beyond words. We keep going because we must, not because we feel strong. God never asks us to rely on our own strength alone.
When we pray and admit our weakness, He gives us strength we cannot find on our own.
Let us lean on the Lord and draw strength from Him each day.
5. Grow in Faith
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Let our number one goal in this new year be growing our faith in God.
Just as a seed needs care to grow, our faith grows when we consistently nurture it through Bible reading, fasting and prayer.
Let us commit to spending time in God’s Word and make fasting and prayer a regular part of our lives.
6. Walk in Peace
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.” Philippians 4:7
Finding peace is so important for a healthy spiritual life. Many of us long for peace, but our hearts replay worries and keep us trapped in stress. But God offers everlasting peace that calms our hearts even when problems remain.
When we pray and surrender our worries to Him, His peace begins to guard us. Let us walk in God’s peace and trust Him with our concerns.
7. Stand Firm in Faith
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Life brings challenges that test our faith. Disappointments, delays, and unanswered prayers can shake us. God calls us to stand firm even when it feels hard.
When we pray for strength, God helps us remain steady and reminds us that He is still at work.
Let us stand firm in faith and trust God through every season.
8. Choose Obedience
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Obedience is not always easy. We are often tempted to choose what feels comfortable or convenient. But God’s commands are given out of love and care for us.
When we pray for guidance and choose obedience, God leads us in the right direction.
Let us obey God with willing hearts and trust His ways.
9. Walk in Humility
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10
When we accomplish something or set plans for our lives, it is easy to get caught up in our own wisdom and abilities. This quietly grows pride in us and can cause us to drift away from God.
As children of God, we are reminded that everything we have comes from Him. He is our Way Maker and Promise Keeper.
When we pray with humble hearts, God draws us closer and lifts us up in His time. Let us walk humbly and depend fully on God.
10. Hold Onto Hope
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11
There are times when hope feels distant. We wait for answers and wonder what the future holds. God reminds us that His plans are good, even when we cannot see them clearly.
When we pray and trust Him with our future, hope rises again in our hearts. Let us hold onto hope and trust God’s plans for our lives.
11. Live With Gratitude
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We often focus on what is missing instead of what God has already given us. Gratitude changes how we see our lives.
As we step into this new year, we are reminded to be thankful for the blessings we have, no matter how big or small they are.
Even when we feel like we lack something, we can remember the ways God has led us throughout the past years and trust that He will make a way.
Let us live with gratitude and thank God in every season.
12. Rest in God’s Promises
“The Lord bless you and keep you.” Numbers 6:24
Many of us struggle to truly rest in God’s promises. Our minds become busy with unnecessary thoughts, and we worry about what tomorrow will bring.
But God invites us to rest in His promises and trust His care.
When we pray and release our worries to Him, He fills us with peace and reassurance.
Let us rest in God’s promises and trust His faithful care.
As we walk forward with these biblical goals, God meets us in our everyday lives and strengthens our faith step by step.
May this year draw us closer to Him and fill our hearts with peace and hope.
What are your goals for this year? Share them in the comments.
