10 Bible Verses to Start the New Year
As we close out one year and move toward the next, it’s a wonderful time to reflect, adjust, and look forward to what the upcoming year holds. For Christians, seeking God’s will in our lives starts with His Word. Bible verses to start the new year can provide wisdom and inspiration, guiding us in how to live, worship Him, and plan for the future. The rich narrative of the Bible overflows with testimonies of those who surrendered their own will to His. Why shouldn’t we follow their example? The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh, seek the Lord, and let Him guide your next steps.
As we look back on the past year, refocus our hearts on the Lord, and make plans for the future, here are 10 verses where Scripture gives us clear direction.
Evaluate the Past Year
Ephesians 5:15-16
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 51
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Meditate on the Lord’s Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22-24
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
Galatians 6:14-15
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
Plan for the Future
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Each of these verses is beautiful on its own, but even more powerful in context. Take some time to look at each verse, understanding King David’s remorse in Psalm 51 and the commissioning of Joshua by Moses in Deuteronomy 31. Immerse yourself in the stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and let Him guide you as you plan for the future. As the new year approaches, don’t let your time spent with the Lord and time in His Word fall to the wayside, but rather let it lead you into a motivated and peace-filled season of growth. No matter what hardships you may have faced in the past year, remember that God is the brilliant orchestrator of new beginnings. Trust in Him and see what He has in store for you.
Happy New Year!
