The beginning of a new year is more than just a change on your calendar – it’s an invitation to a fresh start, new beginnings and renewed hope in God. It is often easy to step into the year armed with resolutions, goals and dreams of our own, yet quick to forget the one who holds our future in his hands. What if instead of just planning, we paused to pray, inviting God into every moment, decision, thought and plan for the year ahead.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
While it is good to have plans, goals and resolutions, it is more important to let God lead the way in our journey into the future he has planned out for us. The New living Translation of Proverbs 19:21 says this – “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail”. This scripture reminds us that in the end, and in the multitude of our plans, it is God’s purpose that will prevail.
God knows the best vehicle needed to convey us to our various destinations in life. And the good part is that he wants to be on the drivers seat and drive you through life if you will let him. Now is a good time to invite God into the entire planning process and decision making process for the new year.
David in Psalms 23 introduces God to us as his shepherd, one whose presence was always with him, leading and guiding him as he walked through life. Where the shepherd leads, the sheep will follow. The bible calls us the sheep of his pasture who must learn to lean on God for guidance and direction. This year, do things differently as you anchor your heart in God’s presence and surrender your goals, ideas, dreams and aspirations to God’s perfect will.
The Importance of Inviting God into Every Moment
Knowing that God is present in and with you gives hope, comfort, courage and security. Hagar was reassured when the angel of the Lord spoke to her near a spring in the desert after she fled from Sarah. Mary’s heart was filled with courage to fulfil her God given purpose after the visitation from the angel of the Lord. Joshua was encouraged to go forward and lead God’s people after the Lord spoke these words to him. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9
The presence of God in a person’s life, event or situation always makes the difference. When God steps in, miracles happen, counsel is released and there is an overflow of peace. God wants to come into those little everyday moments of your life. He wants to unfold his grace and love to you in those moments when you feel you least need it. But it all starts with you inviting him in, sharing your heart and asking for his help and guidance.
David often inquired of the Lord before he took an action. He invited God into the moment, always listening for his voice and guidance. He knew that God’s counsel will lead to peace, purpose and victory. This new year is your opportunity for a fresh start in your walk and relationship with God. Let the spirit of God lead you as you seek out his plan for your life and all that concerns you this year.
“When David was told, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,’ he inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’ – 1 Samuel 23:1
One thing is sure, and it is that God will never lead you amiss. He sees the future that you cannot see and knows the best path to lead you there. Have you taken a moment to inquire of the Lord about this new year? How about dedicating the entire year to God through prayer? As you open up your heart to God’s leading this year, he will give you insight into what he wants to do in your life, family and business. Let him give you a word as an anchor to carry you through the year. If you need some word of the year ideas, this article can help you get started.
As you ease into this new year and season of life, surrender all your (goals, dreams, plans, desires) to your heavenly father and trust in his sovereignty. Let God give direction to your feet this year and purpose to your desires. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has good plans for your life, in fact far better plans than what you could ever have planned out for yourself.
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. – Jeremiah 29:11
I encourage you today to trust God to saturate this year with his presence as you embrace the truth of his promises. Rely on him not just when you make big decisions, but in the daily ordinary moments of life in the entire year.
A New Year Prayer: Inviting God Into the Year
Dear Heavenly Father,
I dedicate this year to you today. I dedicate every month, week, day, hour and second of the year to you. Let your presence fill every moment, season and day of the year. Cover every part of the year with your grace, mercy and goodness.
I ask that you rid my heart of every bitterness, hurt, guilt and anger that can stand as a hindrance to my experiencing the fullness of all that you have planned out for me this year. I release control and surrender all of my plans and desires to you for the year.
As I step into this new year, I invite you into every part of my life. Be the center of my thoughts, decisions, and actions. Lead me with your wisdom, give me insight and understanding and fill my heart with your peace.
Let my inner man be alert and attentive to your instructions and counsel. Guide me and lead me along the best pathway for my life this year. Help me to understand every interjection, crossroad and detour on the journey as I hold your hand firmly and trust in you alone. I will hear your voice clearly and discern every deceptive and negative voice speaking throughout the year.
Help me to trust you fully, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Strengthen me to walk in obedience, rest in your unfailing love and to love others as you have loved me. May your word guide and encourage me at all times. May the logos of your word illuminate my spirit man. May the rhema ( revealed word of God) to me be my unseen weapon with which I fight every battle that may come my way. May your Spirit empower me, renew my thoughts and your love surround me every step of the way in this new year. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
Some Practical Steps to Stay Connected with God in the New Year
- Daily Devotions: Start each day with thanksgiving, a short prayer and Bible reading.
- Practicing Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to recognize God’s blessings and answered prayers through the year.
- Setting Reminders: Use alarms or sticky notes with scripture to remind you to pray, declare God’s word and stay mindful of God’s presence.
- Growing your faith: Spend 15 -30 mins in Bible Study. Follow a scripture writing plan each month and document what God is teaching you through his word in the year.
- Community Worship: Regularly attend church and fellowship with other believers. Join bible study groups and prayer groups to encourage your spiritual growth.
Dear friend, it is my prayer for you that God will cause you to experience his love and goodness in ways that you have never known. I pray also that he will fill you with his wisdom and deep understanding as he unveils his plans and purpose for your life in Jesus name. Amen!
