As you step into any new year, make the decision for the year ahead with intentionality and purpose. Don’t drift. Don’t react. Don’t let life simply “happen” to you. Instead, walk intentionally with God, pursuing His promises until you see them fulfilled. Here are five powerful commitments that will shape your year:
Pray the Word of God — not your feelings
Your feelings fluctuate, but God’s Word is unchanging. When you pray Scripture, you anchor your heart in His truth and release faith instead of fear or emotion-driven prayers.
James 1:6 (NKJV) — “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
Focus on and meditate on one covenant promise each day.
You are not entering this year empty-handed. You are a covenant child — an heir of every promise God made to Abraham.
Galatians 3:29 (NLT) — “And now that you belong to Christ… all the promises God gave to him belong to you.”
Be the grace of God by encouraging others
Your words can lift, strengthen, and impart hope. Use your voice to build people up everywhere you go.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) — “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Serve God by building up your church and blessing the people in your daily life.
Spiritual maturity is seen in how we serve. Strengthen others, bless your church, and be part of God’s work in the world.
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV) — “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) — “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
Overlook unintentional offenses — forgive the rest.
People will fail you. Mistakes will happen. Offenses will come. Spiritual strength is revealed in how quickly you let them go.
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) — “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
Acts 24:16 (NKJV) — “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”
Let this new year be a year of accomplishment — a year marked by intentional living, determined pursuit, and the fulfillment of what God called you to do. Set your heart. Set your mind. Set your steps. Walk with God, pursue His promises, and finish what He leads you to begin.
