C. S. Lewis once wrote in a letter to a friend, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” And Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
These two writers give us insight into what God intended our lives to be — new beginnings, new goals, new challenges. Those things we planned to do last year are in the past. Maybe we accomplished some and some we did not. But God is a God of second chances. We can devote the coming months to developing spiritual guidelines for living a Christian life.
When good intentions fail
A recent study shows that 80% of people who start new goals disregard those good intentions by February, according to Forbes. Excuses pile up, and you’re back where you started. Reasons for abandoning these new goals may be that you’re too busy, the weather is too hot or too cold or you’ll start tomorrow.
Members in our congregations will agree that keeping resolutions is the problem. And I’ve heard this statement several times: “The only promise I ever make is to not make promises or vows!”
So often we set guidelines that focus on physical change, spending less money, losing weight and other personal attributes. But what about spiritual change? How can we become more spiritually minded during the coming year?
Daily living
Did you accomplish everything you planned to do last year? If not, think of 2025 as a time for new beginnings. God has a plan for everyone. As you study the Scriptures and have a daily devotion, these verses can help you accomplish changes in your life this year.
1. “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” (Jer. 29:11).
2. We are reminded that giving thanks and praise to Him is important. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Ps. 100:4).
3. God’s love for His children never fails. He is there to comfort us when we make mistakes. He will always love us. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail” (Lam. 3:22).
4. The Bible is a book for new beginnings. In Christ, we are made new. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Eph. 4:22).
5. When we are stressed, the Bible reminds us to turn to prayer and thanksgiving instead of worry and fear. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).
6. Jesus commands His followers to love God and others. Regardless of past relationships, start the year off with loving others. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
7. Life changes, but we know we serve an unchanging God. He is always consistent. Remember this as you go forward in the new year. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
8. As we begin a new year, remember to give your anxiety over to God. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
9. As we think of new beginnings, we need to focus on the plans He has for us even in the joys and sorrows and during successful times and times of struggle. “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed” (Ps. 20:4).
10. Keep Christ in the center of all you do, and hold everything in the name of Jesus. Whatever you do, follow biblical principles and know Whom you serve. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
Setting spiritual goals
Use these suggestions to ensure your spiritual commitment continues throughout the year:
- Remember that God put us on this earth to serve, not to be served.
- In your daily prayers, ask how you can grow spiritually and become the person God intended you to be.
- Include daily exercise. God planned for us to live a life of service to others, and a healthy body allows you to serve both God and others. Start with a brief walk, and then increase the distance each day. Praise God for the beauty He created.
- Spend more time reading God’s Word. Know the Bible stories and how you can apply them to your life.
- Share these Bible stories with your children or grandchildren.
- Maintain a positive attitude. No one enjoys being around a negative person. God wants His children to live happy lives.
- If you’re older, make a list of what you no longer have or can’t do. Then make another list of how God has blessed your life and what you have now. Compare both and see how God is still blessing you. Thank Him for His goodness.
- Dedicate time to pray, but also offer spontaneous prayers often.
- Learn something new about the Bible every day. Make a list of Bible trivia questions that you write in a journal. In a year, you will have learned 365 new facts about His Word.
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