Starting the New Year with God at the Center

True change doesn’t begin with a new year; it begins with a renewed heart that’s fully committed to God.

A new year is coming just around the corner, and what is going to change? I often ask myself this question. It seems like the years pass so quickly that I don’t even have time to think about the new year and what I want to do.

Because it is a new year, it gives us cause to have a new beginning in something. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but by the end of January, they’ve already given up. So what should be new in our lives this coming year? Does it need to be something new, or can we recommit to something old?

I really consider it a recommitment time—a time to renew those plans or vows we may have taken. There may be a new plan I want to implement as well, but mostly, it’s about renewing what I’ve already been doing. I may not be doing it well, but I have been doing it.

Another reason so many people give up so soon is that they try to plan too many things at once. You may have several goals you want to accomplish or implement this January first, but if you get overwhelmed by too many, you’ll give up all. Let’s start with one habit at a time, rather than overwhelming ourselves with too many things that can quickly become discouraging.

Here’s what I’m thinking—I plan to implement four key initiatives for the coming year. Many say it takes 21 days to create a new habit, but research has shown that it takes up to 66 days. So why not give yourself three months? That would mean four new habits per year—and they would solidify so that we wouldn’t give up.

Everyone is different, but for me, I like to have something that motivates me to keep going. It could be a reward at the end. When you lay out the habit you want to solidify, write down how you want to reward yourself.

For example, one of my goals was to exercise more regularly. My son gave me a Mother’s Day gift of a virtual course that you can run, walk, or bike—and at the end, you get a medal. I think the Mother’s Day course was 30 miles, and after I completed it, I received my medal. Then I went on to purchase another course, like Mount Rushmore and Banff. It keeps me motivated to keep going and to break my record. Right now, I’m doing the Rockies, which is 130 miles! It brings a challenge and motivates me to keep going.

So what motivates you to keep going? Some people, when trying to create a habit of drinking water, use an app that tracks their consumption and helps them keep a virtual plant alive. Every time they forget to log their water intake, their plant “dies.” It’s a creative reminder that consistency leads to life!

Here are some other ideas—think about ways you can reward yourself for the habits you create:

• Enjoy a special outing or treat when you complete a goal.

• Buy a new journal or planner after a month of consistent Bible reading.

• Take a relaxing day off when you finish a major project.

• Treat yourself to something small but meaningful—a book, a walk, or a favorite meal.

One habit I want to recommit to every year is getting closer to God. We can never go wrong by recommitting to spending more time with God in His Word and in prayer—or perhaps even memorizing Scripture. This is a habit I want to keep building on each year.

And there are so many rewards we can receive: peace in the midst of the storms of life, joy in our hearts, and renewed strength to face each day. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

I want to make this year one of the best, and the best way to do that is to be fully committed to God. He is the only one who can help me establish the new habits I need in my life. I want to develop the mindset that I don’t want to be independent of God, but totally dependent on Him. That is the only way I can accomplish anything in my life. I cannot do it alone. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

I want every one of my goals to be something that will bring me closer to God in some way. There are other goals or habits in business that each of us might want to set as well. So maybe those goals won’t necessarily seem to bring us closer to God—or will they?

I believe that when we plan with God, even our business plans can bring us closer to Him—if we recognize our total dependence on Him, even in our business endeavors. Things go so much better when I include God in every area of my life. I want to commit to having God be a part of my planning this new year.

Prayer of Commitment

Heavenly Father,
As this new year approaches, I thank You for the gift of new beginnings. I recommit myself to You—to walk in Your ways, to seek You first, and to include You in every decision I make. Help me, Lord, to build habits that honor You and strengthen my relationship with You. When I am weak, remind me that You are my strength. When I feel discouraged, fill me with Your peace. May each goal I set draw me closer to Your heart. I surrender this year to You—my time, my plans, and my desires.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Action Steps

1. Set Spiritual Goals:

• Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer.

• Memorize one verse a week.

• Attend a small group or Bible study for accountability.

• Reward idea: Treat yourself to a new devotional or journal when you reach your goal.

2. Set Health Goals:

• Exercise consistently—walk, stretch, or move your body for at least 20 minutes a day.

• Drink more water and eat whole, nourishing foods.

• Reward idea: Enjoy a new essential oil blend or relaxing bath after completing your first month of consistency.

3. Set Business or Personal Goals:

• Pray over your business each morning.

• Create realistic goals that align with your values and purpose.

• Reward idea: Take a day off to rest or celebrate with family when a major goal is met.

4. Depend on God for Strength:
Before you begin each day, ask God to lead your steps and bless your plans. Remember Proverbs 3:6 (KJV): “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Closing Statement

As the new year unfolds, remember that true change doesn’t begin with a list—it begins with a heart surrendered to God. Whether you’re forming new habits or renewing old ones, let this be the year you walk closer with Him than ever before. When you depend on His strength, your plans will not only succeed—they will bring peace, purpose, and joy that last far beyond the calendar year.

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