Journeying with God in the New Year

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evils, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

We’re heading into a new year—2024! It’s hard to believe, yet if you’re a Christian, there’s a sense of hope and anticipation that fills your soul. The new year is a time of renewal, with many of us embarking on a journey of self-reflection, setting goals and aspirations for the year ahead. But for those who believe, it’s also a time of deeper significance. Transitioning into the new year is an opportunity not only to make plans, but to anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth that God, our Father and constant companion, walks with us into each uncharted day. 

Each new day contains God’s faithfulness and direction for our lives. In this blog post, I invite you to pause and reflect on the past year, set intentions for the new year, and to step into 2024 with the assurance of God’s presence. His presence is more than a promise—it’s a living reality that transforms our days and every aspect of our lives. So, go into the coming year not with fear but with the firm belief that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. 

How Did God Help You in 2023?

Today is New Year’s Eve—where has the year gone? It’s been a time when many of us have felt unsettled by the upheaval of modern living. The cost of living for most people around the world has been exorbitant, with many of us paying a lot more for necessities than in past years. We’ve also seen wars continuing or springing up seemingly out of nowhere. Each of us has also had to deal with personal and family issues that have been trying. Where was God in the midst of all this? 

Did you have moments when it seemed you were guided by an unseen hand? Did you experience unexpected provision, possibly at the last minute? Were you or your family touched by grief? Did you have the feeling of reassurance that you were not alone? Review the past year, and you will surely see the constancy of God’s love. 

My year has been challenging. Most of it has been spent helping my parents. My Mom’s had some serious health issues. This has meant that much of the year was spent away from my husband, which has been hard for us both. During this time, I also experienced a major drop in income. This was partly brought on by AI taking over writing for small businesses. I’ve also had to deal with Covid (for the first time) and what appears to be symptoms of long Covid. My immunity has gone downhill after being sick last spring—it’s also affected other areas of my health (I have several chronic health conditions). 

While my year may look as if it was hard, that’s only one side of the story. All through these months, I’ve had God’s support in so many ways. I’m no one special, I can tell you that for sure! Yet, God loves me. He has provided for me in ways I never expected. 

For instance, He helped me find some work that has paid for my business services and credit card. I’ve had time to heal from the loss of work (when I was working way too much), gain some confidence back, and prepare for the next year. I have no idea what’s coming in 2024, but I know that God is here (and there in the future) for me, as He has been for many years. 

This verse has gotten me through hard times over the years, and it still has the power to uplift my soul. God is merciful, and His compassion and mercy do not fail. If He has been faithful in the past, I know He will be faithful in the future, too. He has promised us never to leave us or forsake us. 

As you review the past year, consider writing down those times God came through for you. Reflect on those times, and rest assured that God is with you right now and that He will be with you in the future.

 

Seeking God in Prayer and Dwelling in the Word

Prayer is communication with God. It’s an intimate conversation with the One who not only listens but understands the deepest parts of our hearts. Do you pray? Do you listen during prayer time? If not, why not commit to spending more time with God in prayer in the new year? 

Some people believe that prayer is only part of a ritual. True, we pray at church as part of the worship service. In that way, prayer can be a ritual. Yet, prayer is also the time we spend in communication with the Lord. It’s a sacred time when we acknowledge our dependence on God. We also talk with Him and listen to His responses. In other words, prayer is a conversation with God. You can talk with God as you would with a close friend, and He will be there with you. 

God’s Word

Along with conversational prayer, it’s necessary to read God’s Word. The Bible is not only a collection of ancient tests. It’s a living, breathing testament to God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. Reading the Bible is one of the best ways to learn about the Lord. If you can dedicate some time each day in the new year to read the Bible, you’ll find the words penetrate your heart and mind. 

You can choose a Bible reading plan that fits your needs. Try to make it a daily practice to let God’s Word shape your thoughts and actions, anchoring you in a solid foundation as you navigate the new year. 

Community & Fellowship

As you pray and read the Bible, consider spending time with other Christians, too. Community and fellowship can create rich connections that help you on your faith journey. Our Christian walk was never intended to be solitary. Instead, it is meant to be a pilgrimage we take with others. We are meant to support and uplift one another in God’s love. 

It can take time to find the right church and community but don’t give up. Keep trying new churches until you find the one that God leads you to. 

Concluding Thoughts

As the new year approaches, our lives rest with God and His Son, our Lord Jesus. In the midst of your plans, carry the truth that God is with you every minute of the day and night, and He will walk with you into each new, uncharted day in the new year. 

Dedicate some time to prayer (conversation) with God and to reading His Word. You’ll find that you become anchored to a strong foundation, which is the unchanging truth of God’s love and guidance eacy and every day. 

My prayer for you is that your faith and experience with God will grow deeper in this new year. 

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! 

God bless,

Resources

YouVersion App

Do you need a Bible and a reading plan? Be sure to check out the YouVersion app, available on iOS and Android.

I love this app (and have used it for years)—for one thing, it’s free! It also offers free Bibles in English and other languages. The app also provides a wide range of reading plans, guided prayers, and so much more to help you on your faith journey. 

Use the link (above) to head over to the YouVersion website and learn more about this wonderful app! 

God Bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc. head over to our Resources page!