Preparing Your Heart and Mind for the New Year
“If you search for the Lord with all your heart and soul, you will find Him.” – Deuteronomy 4:29
The start of a new year often comes with high hopes and lofty resolutions. Yet, like many, I’ve found myself feeling discouraged just a few weeks in when my resolutions fell short. Over time, I realized that the key to lasting change was less about the resolutions themselves and more about aligning my goals with God’s purpose for my life.
Now, as I prepare for a new year, I begin by asking God to reveal a word for the year ahead—a word that grounds my focus and intention.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before setting new goals, I like to pause and reflect on the year behind me. I ask myself:
What am I most thankful for?
What challenges has God helped me overcome?
What hopes and dreams am I carrying into the new year?
These moments of reflection help me see God’s faithfulness and prepare my heart for what’s to come.
I’ve included some of my favorite devotionals below to guide you in doing the same.
A Word for the New Year
For our family, praying for a word has become a cherished tradition. My husband and I ask the Lord to reveal a word that will shape our mindset and actions for the year. We pray over it, reflect on it, and embrace it wholeheartedly.
Last year, our word was “SHIFT.” It was a year of transformation—changing rhythms in work, deepening relationships with our children, growing closer to God, and even finding joy in new hobbies (like pickleball!).
As we step into 2025, the word God has placed on our hearts is “LIGHT.” This word reminds us to:
Shine through our actions, responses, and motives.
Bring positivity and encouragement to those around us.
Be generous with our time, love, and service.
In a world that can feel dark, we’re called to reflect God’s light and love wherever we go. I find myself asking:
Am I uplifting those I encounter?
Do I extend kindness and support to those in need?
Are my words filled with love and truth?
Jesus provides the perfect example of being a light in every circumstance, and I want to follow that path in the coming year.
Setting Your Goals
Before you dive into goals like eating healthier, working out harder, or getting more organized, consider starting with a word that speaks to your heart. Ask God to guide your mind and spirit as you create a vision for the year.
By centering your mindset and heart on Him, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your goals with purpose and grace.
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill... Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
So, what will your word for the year be? Let this be the foundation for all you hope to achieve and experience in the year to come.
Here’s to 2025!
Stacy
