Coming into the new year
As a Christian, there are several things you can do to prepare for the new year. Here are some suggestions along with relevant scriptures:
1. Reflect on the past year: Take time to reflect on the events of the past year, your spiritual growth, and areas where you may have fallen short. Consider Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
2. Seek God’s guidance: Spend time in prayer and seek God’s guidance for the upcoming year. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
3. Set spiritual goals: Consider setting specific spiritual goals for the new year, such as reading through the Bible, deepening your prayer life, or getting involved in a new ministry. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
4. Renew your commitment to God: Use this time to renew your commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
5. Forgive and seek reconciliation: Make an effort to forgive those who have wronged you and seek reconciliation where possible. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
By taking these steps and seeking God’s guidance, you can prepare your heart and spirit for the new year as a Christian.