New Year’s Resolutions (According to the Bible)

What a year. As the year comes to a close, we are looking to the future. I love to write New Year’s Resolutions. The New Year is a fun opportunity to reflect, refocus, and challenge yourself to improve your life. With such an impactful concept as planning an entire year—I want to involve God in my New Year’s Resolutions. How can I plan New Year’s Resolutions according to the Bible?

First, Thank God for the Past Year

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). I have so much to be thankful for this year. I survived thyroid cancer—thanks to Jehovah Rapha, my Healer. Jehovah Jireh provided for all of my needs, even blessing me further with a promotion at work (woot!). Take some time to reflect on this past year and note how God was with you, shepherding your steps the whole way. He is faithful, and He will do the same this next year.

Next, Ask for God’s Direction

The Bible promises that God will give wisdom to all who ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5). I hold onto this promise and utilize it often. It doesn’t say that God gives us tiny hints from time to time. It says that He gives generously to all who ask. Everyone! God loves when we seek out wisdom. Remember how God was so pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom, that He gave the young king wealth, honor, and a long life in addition to the desired wisdom (1 Kings 3). Further, the Bible promises that God will direct our steps. “Trust in the Lord with your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask God to inspire the right resolutions for His plans for your life.

Spiritual Resolutions at the Top of the List

Now it’s time to write out your resolutions. God-stuff first. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). How will you grow spiritually this next year? Some profitable spiritual goal ideas:

• Bible: Have you read the entire Bible yet? There are plenty of “Bible in a year” plans. Is there a particular book or two that you’ve seem to pass over more than others? Amos? Ezekiel? Let’s increase our knowledge of the Word this year.
• Community: Have you been watching church online since the pandemic? Maybe it’s time to go back to church in person. We need each other in the faith (Hebrews 10:25). If you’ve been regularly attending, maybe it’s time to join a small group? Some of my best friends have been from church small groups of my past. Maybe it’s time to volunteer? Help out in children’s church or serve coffee? Let’s challenge ourselves to link up with our Christian brothers and sisters this year.
• Prayer: There is so much blessing in dedicated, intentional prayer (Matthew 6:6). If we don’t have a plan, we can often find ourselves fitting in prayer time last minute, as we are drifting off to sleep each night. This can rob us of a fruitful prayer life, and absolutely hinders our ability to participate in the listening aspect of that conversation. Perhaps your resolution could be to set aside a dedicated (and wakeful) time to meet with God each day. It could be as few as 5 minutes! Progress is progress.

Write out a Detailed Plan

Plan to work hard for your resolutions. Finish your list. Instead of just writing out what you want in the end (such as “I want to lose 15 pounds,” plan out what steps it will take to accomplish these goals (such as “I will walk 8,000 steps a day and add five vegetables to my daily meal plan”). The Bible advises detailed planning. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28-30). The Bible makes it clear that we will sow what we reap—we are not working in vain. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7). Put in the work, and you will see fruit in time. And focus! Don’t get distracted or misdirected. “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25).

Finally, Trust that God’s Plan will Happen

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). We can do nothing without God ultimately allowing it. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1). Know that we are working for God and with Him. He has an ultimate plan, but He is also for us, not against us. In fact, He is more for us than we are for ourselves. “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). And He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” (Ephesians 3:20). It might not work out the way that you want it to happen, but it might be better! Ask God for what you want and submit to His will. As Jesus said in the garden, “Not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39).

How do we plan out New Year’s Resolutions according to the Bible? Thank God for the year we are leaving behind. He is so good! Ask for His direction—He promises to give it freely. Prioritize the Lord, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Finish up your list and plan the seeds that you will need to plant to make it happen. Finally, submit your plans to God and He will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3).

Thank you for reading! If you are interested in seeking God in a deeper way this New Year, consider reading up on the practice of fasting and prayer.