A new year often brings hope and reflection. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about starting fresh, seeking God’s guidance, and trusting His plans for the year ahead.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Moving Mountains
What Does The Bible Say About The New Year
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse reminds us that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. As we enter the new year, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He has good plans for us. It gives us hope and reassurance that no matter what challenges or uncertainties we may face, God is working for our good.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
This verse encourages us to let go of the past and embrace the new things that God is doing in our lives. The new year is an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to experience God’s redemptive work in our lives. It reminds us that God can make a way even in the most challenging situations, bringing forth new life and blessings.
Psalm 65:11
“You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.”
This verse acknowledges God’s abundant provision and blessings in our lives. As we step into the new year, we can trust that God will continue to shower us with His goodness and faithfulness. It reminds us to have a mindset of gratitude and to look forward to the blessings that God has in store for us in the coming year.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
This verse reminds us that while we may make plans and set goals for the new year, ultimately, it is God who directs our steps and establishes the path for our lives. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and surrender our plans to His perfect will. As we submit to His leading, He will guide us to the places and purposes He has for us.
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This verse urges us to forget the past and press on towards the future with renewed focus and determination. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to grow in our relationship with Christ and to fulfill the purpose for which God has called us. As we enter the new year, let us leave behind any past failures or regrets and strive towards the prize of knowing Christ more intimately.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse speaks to the transformative power of Christ in our lives. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are made new, and the old patterns of sin and brokenness are washed away. It assures us that through Christ, we have the opportunity to start afresh with a clean slate in the new year.
Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of living with intentionality and making the most of our time. As we reflect on the passing year and enter a new one, it encourages us to seek wisdom from God and to use our days wisely. May we approach each day with a heart that is open to God’s guidance and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around us.
James 4:13-15
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'”
This passage serves as a reminder of the fragility and uncertainty of life. It warns against relying solely on our own plans and ambitions, without acknowledging God’s sovereignty. As we embark on a new year, may we humbly submit our plans to the Lord, recognizing that our lives are in His hands and that His will ultimately prevails.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
This verse counsels us to be intentional and discerning in our choices and actions. It reminds us to seize every opportunity to make a positive impact and to live in a manner that honors God. As we step into the new year, may we be wise stewards of our time and talents, seeking to reflect Christ’s love and grace in all that we do.
Psalm 20:4
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s blessing and favor upon our plans and aspirations. It acknowledges that true success and fulfillment come from aligning our desires with God’s will. As we embark on new endeavors and set goals for the new year, may we seek the Lord’s guidance and surrender our plans to His greater purpose.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”
This verse encourages us to entrust our lives and plans to God’s care. It calls us to have faith in His faithfulness and promises that He will work on our behalf. As we navigate the uncertainties of the new year, may we have the confidence to commit our dreams and aspirations to the Lord, knowing that He is able to bring them to fruition in His perfect timing.
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
This verse assures us that God will guide and direct us as we seek His will. It reminds us to listen for His voice and follow His leading. In the new year, may we cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and be obedient to His guidance, trusting that He will lead us along the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This well-known verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and acknowledging His wisdom and sovereignty. It encourages us to surrender our desires and plans to His care, confident that He will guide us along the right path. As we begin the new year, may we wholeheartedly trust in the Lord’s leading and depend on His unfailing wisdom.
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to restore what has been lost or broken. It reassures us that even in times of difficulty or loss, God is able to bring healing and restoration. As we enter the new year, may we have faith in God’s ability to redeem our past experiences and bring about newfound hope and abundance in our lives.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of entrusting our plans and endeavors to God. It encourages us to seek His guidance and submit our desires to His will. As we embark on the journey of the new year, may we commit our ways to the Lord, believing that He will bring about His purposes in and through us.
Psalm 18:30
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
This verse affirms the perfection and reliability of God’s ways and His Word. It assures us that God is our ultimate protector and refuge. As we step into the new year, may we find confidence and peace in knowing that we can trust in God’s unfailing love and wisdom to lead us in all circumstances.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It reassures us that as we seek to align our lives with God’s purposes, He will provide for our needs. As we begin the new year, may we make a conscious effort to seek God’s will above our own, trusting in His provision and guidance.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This verse extends an invitation from Jesus to find rest and refreshment in Him. It acknowledges that life can be wearisome and burdensome, but through faith in Christ, we can find rest for our souls. As we enter the new year, may we come to Jesus with our weariness and burdens, finding solace in His loving presence and finding strength for the journey ahead.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
This passage reminds us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. It reassures us that God’s mercies are renewed each day, bringing new opportunities for grace and restoration. As we step into the new year, may we find comfort in God’s unwavering love and place our trust in His faithfulness to guide and sustain us.
Psalm 121:1-2
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
This verse serves as a reminder of our ultimate source of help and strength. It points us to God as the one who created the heavens and the earth, emphasizing His power and sovereignty. As we face the challenges of the new year, may we lift our eyes to the Lord and find confidence in His unfailing assistance and provision.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of patience and trust in God’s timing and plan. It cautions against getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others or being anxious about their success. As we begin the new year, may we entrust our desires and aspirations to the Lord, having faith that He will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
This verse invites us to experience the goodness and faithfulness of God for ourselves. It encourages us to seek Him and find refuge and blessings in His presence. As we embark on the journey of the new year, may we open our hearts to taste and see the goodness of the Lord, finding satisfaction, peace, and joy in Him alone.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse reminds us of God’s deep concern for every aspect of our lives. It encourages us to offload our worries and fears onto Him, trusting that He will provide comfort and care. As we face the uncertainties of the new year, may we rest in the assurance that we are loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father who is able to carry our burdens and grant us peace.
Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
This verse speaks of God’s goodness, love, and eternal presence in our lives. It assures us that we are constantly enveloped by His grace and that we will dwell with Him forever. As we journey through the new year, may we hold onto the promises of God’s unfailing love and find comfort in His abiding presence each day.