There’s something about a new year that makes us pause.

We look back at where we’ve been.

We think about what we learned.

We remember the things we wish we had done differently.

And then we look ahead.

A new calendar.

New possibilities.

New prayers.

Maybe even a fresh sense that God is inviting us into something different.

But I think there’s something important to remember as we step into a new year:

We don’t have to know everything that’s ahead. We simply need to know the One who goes before us.

The beginning of a new year can bring excitement, but it can also bring uncertainty.

What will this year hold?

Will things change?

Will my prayers be answered?

Will I grow closer to God?

Will this be the year something finally shifts?

We don’t have those answers.

But Scripture gives us something better than predictions about the future.

It gives us truth we can carry into it.

So as you begin this new year, take some time to sit with these 25 Bible verses from the ESV. Don't feel like you have to rush through them.

Read them slowly.

Underline the ones that speak to your heart.

Write them down.

Pray through them.

And ask God:

“What do You want me to remember as I begin this new year?”

1. Isaiah 43:18–19 — God Is Doing a New Thing

Isaiah reminds God's people not to remain stuck looking backward because God is able to do something new.

Reflection: A new year doesn't mean you have to forget your past. But it does mean you don't have to live there.

Maybe last year held disappointment.

Maybe you made mistakes.

Maybe something didn't turn out the way you hoped.

Bring those things to God, but don't let them convince you that your best days are behind you.

God is still working.

Prayer: Lord, help me recognize the new things You are doing, even when I can't see them clearly yet.

2. Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust God With the Unknown

This is one of those passages we can return to again and again.

We're reminded to trust God rather than depending completely on our own understanding.

Reflection: You don't have to have the whole year figured out.

You don't even have to know what next month looks like.

God sees what you cannot see.

As you make plans, make room for Him in them.

3. Philippians 3:13–14 — Keep Moving Forward

Paul talks about forgetting what lies behind and straining forward toward what lies ahead.

Reflection: Sometimes moving forward requires releasing what we've been holding onto.

Regret.

Comparison.

Old expectations.

Past failures.

There is a difference between learning from the past and living in it.

Take what God has taught you.

Then keep walking.

4. Jeremiah 29:11 — God Has Not Forgotten You

This familiar verse reminds God's people that He has plans for their future, plans involving peace, hope, and a future.

Reflection: This promise was spoken to people living in a difficult season—not people whose lives were already easy.

That matters.

God's good plans don't mean every season will be comfortable.

But they do remind us that our circumstances are not outside His care.

You can trust Him with your future.

5. Psalm 90:12 — Number Your Days

Psalm 90 asks God to teach us to number our days so that we may gain wisdom.

Reflection: A new year reminds us that time is a gift.

Instead of asking only, “What do I want to accomplish this year?”

Perhaps we can also ask:

“How does God want me to use the time He has given me?”

One day at a time.

One conversation at a time.

One act of obedience at a time.

6. Lamentations 3:22–23 — His Mercies Are New Every Morning

This passage reminds us that God's steadfast love does not run out and His mercies are new each morning.

Reflection: What a beautiful truth to carry into a new year.

You may not have handled everything perfectly last year.

Neither did I.

But God's mercy isn't exhausted.

Every morning is another opportunity to walk with Him.

You don't have to carry yesterday's failure into today's obedience.

7. Psalm 37:5 — Commit Your Way to the Lord

Psalm 37 encourages us to commit our way to the Lord and trust Him.

Reflection: What are you carrying into this year?

Your plans?

Your family?

Your work?

Your dreams?

Your unanswered questions?

Give them to God.

Commit your way to Him—not just the parts you feel confident about.

All of it.

8. Joshua 1:9 — Be Strong and Courageous

God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and not to be frightened or dismayed because He is with him.

Reflection: Courage doesn't mean you aren't afraid.

Sometimes courage simply means taking the next step while remembering that God is with you.

You may face something this year that feels bigger than you.

You don't have to face it alone.

9. Psalm 23:1 — The Lord Is My Shepherd

David begins Psalm 23 with a simple declaration: because the Lord is his shepherd, he lacks nothing essential.

Reflection: What would change if you entered the new year remembering that God is your Shepherd?

You don't have to lead yourself through everything.

You can follow.

You can listen.

You can trust.

And when you don't know where the path is going, you can stay close to the Shepherd.

10. Matthew 6:33 — Seek First God's Kingdom

Jesus teaches His followers to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first.

Reflection: New Year's goals often focus on what we want to accomplish.

But what if our first goal is simply this:

Seek God first.

Before success.

Before recognition.

Before productivity.

Before everything else.

Put Him first.

And let everything else find its proper place underneath that.

11. Psalm 46:10 — Be Still

Psalm 46 reminds us to be still and know that God is God.

Reflection: We don't need to enter the new year rushing.

Maybe your first spiritual practice this year should be stillness.

Turn off the noise.

Put down the phone.

Sit with God.

Listen.

You may discover that the quiet has something to teach you.

12. Romans 12:2 — Let God Renew Your Mind

Paul encourages believers not to be conformed to the world but to experience transformation through the renewing of their minds.

Reflection: A new year doesn't necessarily require a completely new you.

Perhaps what you need is a renewed mind.

Let Scripture shape the way you think.

Let God's truth challenge the lies you've believed.

Let Him change your perspective.

Real growth begins in the heart and mind.

13. Psalm 119:105 — Let God's Word Guide You

Psalm 119 describes God's Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.

Reflection: Notice that a lamp doesn't necessarily illuminate the entire road.

It gives you enough light for the next step.

Maybe that's all you need right now.

Not the whole plan.

Just the next step.

Open God's Word.

Let Him guide you one step at a time.

14. James 1:5 — Ask God for Wisdom

James gives a simple invitation: if we lack wisdom, we should ask God.

Reflection: You are going to face decisions this year.

Some will be simple.

Some will be difficult.

Instead of relying only on your own instincts, ask God for wisdom.

And don't be afraid to admit that you don't know.

Sometimes saying “Lord, I need Your wisdom” is one of the wisest things we can do.

15. Philippians 4:6–7 — Bring Your Anxiety to God

Paul encourages believers to bring their requests to God through prayer, thanksgiving, and supplication.

The passage points us toward God's peace—a peace that guards our hearts and minds.

Reflection: You don't have to carry every worry into the new year.

Before you replay the problem in your mind, pray.

Before you assume the worst, pray.

Before you allow fear to take over, pray.

Bring God the things you cannot control.

16. Psalm 27:1 — The Lord Is Your Light

David declares that the Lord is his light and salvation and asks whom he should fear.

Reflection: Fear can make the future look darker than it really is.

But God is not intimidated by what is ahead.

When you don't know what's coming, remember who is with you.

His presence is greater than your uncertainty.

17. Ecclesiastes 3:1 — There Is a Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time and season for everything under heaven.

Reflection: You don't have to force yourself into someone else's season.

Maybe this year is a season of growing.

Maybe it's a season of waiting.

Maybe it's a season of rebuilding.

Maybe it's a season of serving.

Maybe it's a season of rest.

Ask God what season you're in instead of constantly wishing you were somewhere else.

18. Galatians 6:9 — Don't Grow Weary

Paul encourages believers not to become tired of doing good because there will be a harvest in due time if we don't give up.

Reflection: Some of the things you're praying for may take longer than you hoped.

Keep going.

Keep praying.

Keep obeying.

Keep planting.

You may not see the harvest yet.

That doesn't mean God isn't working.

19. Psalm 121:1–2 — Your Help Comes From the Lord

The psalmist looks toward the hills and asks where his help comes from.

The answer is clear: his help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Reflection: You will need help this year.

And that's okay.

You were never meant to carry everything by yourself.

Look to God.

Ask for help.

Trust His strength.

20. Proverbs 16:3 — Commit Your Work to the Lord

Proverbs encourages us to commit our work to the Lord.

Reflection: Your work matters to God.

Your ordinary responsibilities matter.

The things nobody sees matter.

Before beginning a new project or pursuing a new goal, bring it to God.

Ask Him to establish what is truly worth doing.

21. Psalm 31:24 — Take Courage

This verse encourages those who hope in the Lord to be strong and let their hearts take courage.

Reflection: Hope requires courage.

Especially when you're waiting.

Especially when you don't know how something will turn out.

If your hope is in God, you can keep going.

Not because you know the outcome.

Because you know the One you're trusting.

22. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — You Are a New Creation

Paul describes those who are in Christ as a new creation, with the old having passed away and the new having come.

Reflection: This is bigger than a New Year's resolution.

In Christ, your identity isn't based on last year's failures.

You aren't defined by your worst moment.

You don't have to spend another year trying to become worthy of God's love.

In Christ, you have already been made new.

Let that truth shape how you walk into this year.

23. Hebrews 10:24–25 — Don't Walk Alone

Hebrews encourages believers to consider how they can encourage one another and continue gathering together.

Reflection: We need each other.

Faith was never meant to be lived entirely alone.

Find people who encourage you toward Jesus.

Be that person for someone else.

Show up.

Pray together.

Study Scripture together.

Encourage one another when the road gets difficult.

24. Matthew 5:16 — Let Your Light Shine

Jesus tells His followers to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify God.

Reflection: Your faith is meant to be visible.

Not in a performative way.

Not so people will praise you.

But so your life can point people toward God.

This year, let your words reflect Him.

Let your choices reflect Him.

Let your kindness reflect Him.

Let your everyday life become an opportunity to point someone toward Jesus.

25. Philippians 1:6 — God Finishes What He Starts

Paul expresses confidence that the God who began a good work in believers will bring it to completion.

Reflection: Maybe this is the verse you need most as you enter a new year.

God isn't finished with you.

You may still have areas where you need to grow.

You may still have questions.

You may still be waiting.

You may still be learning how to trust.

That's okay.

God is not finished.

The work He begins, He is faithful to continue.

Choosing a Verse for Your New Year

Twenty-five verses can feel like a lot.

So don't feel like you have to choose all twenty-five.

Instead, ask yourself:

Which verse keeps coming back to my mind?

Maybe it's Isaiah 43 because you're longing for a fresh start.

Maybe it's Proverbs 3:5–6 because you're facing uncertainty.

Maybe it's Galatians 6:9 because you're tired.

Maybe it's Philippians 1:6 because you need to remember that God isn't finished with you.

Maybe it's Psalm 46:10 because you've been moving too fast.

Choose one.

Write it somewhere you'll see it.

Put it in your Bible.

Write it in your journal.

Make it your prayer.

Come back to it throughout the year.

Sometimes one verse can become an anchor.

Don't Turn the New Year Into a Performance

There's one more thing I want to say before we finish.

You don't need to become a completely different person on January 1.

You don't have to create a list of twenty-five spiritual goals.

You don't have to read the entire Bible in a year to prove that you're serious about God.

You don't have to wake up at 5:00 every morning.

You don't have to make your quiet time look like someone else's.

Spiritual growth isn't about performing for God.

It's about walking with Him.

Some days will feel productive.

Other days will feel ordinary.

Some prayers will feel easy.

Others will feel like all you can say is, “Jesus, help me.”

That's okay.

Keep showing up.

Keep opening His Word.

Keep praying.

Keep listening.

Keep trusting.

A Simple Way to Begin the Year With God

If you're not sure where to begin, try this simple rhythm during the first few weeks of the year:

Read one passage.

Write one truth.

Pray one prayer.

Take one step of obedience.

That's enough.

You don't need to know everything God is going to do this year.

You simply need to stay close to Him.

And perhaps that can become your prayer for the year:

“Lord, help me stay close to You.”

Not make me successful.

Not make everything easy.

Not give me everything I want.

Simply:

“Help me stay close to You.”

Because if you walk through the year with God, you won't walk through it alone.

Journal Prompts for the New Year

Take a few quiet moments with these questions:

• What am I grateful for as I look back on the past year?
• What do I need to surrender before entering this new year?
• Where do I need to trust God more deeply?
• What am I afraid of as I look ahead?
• What Scripture from this list speaks most strongly to me?
• What is God teaching me in this season?
• Where do I need wisdom?
• What is one spiritual habit I want to cultivate?
• Who can I encourage in their walk with Christ this year?
• What would it look like for me to seek God first?

Don't rush your answers.

Let them become a conversation with God.

A Prayer for the New Year

Father,

Thank You for bringing me into another year.

Thank You for the ways You carried me through the year behind me.

For the prayers You answered.

For the prayers You're still answering.

For the doors You opened.

For the doors You closed.

For the things You taught me.

And even for the difficult moments that helped me grow.

As I step into this new year, I don't know everything that's ahead.

But You do.

Help me trust You.

Help me seek You first.

Give me wisdom when I don't know what to do.

Give me courage when I'm afraid.

Give me patience when I'm waiting.

Give me peace when I feel overwhelmed.

Help me release the things I need to leave behind and walk faithfully into what You have for me.

Teach me to number my days.

Help me use my time well.

Help me love people well.

Help me stay rooted in Your Word.

And when I don't know the way forward, remind me that You are my Shepherd.

You are my light.

You are my help.

You are faithful.

Thank You that You are not finished with me.

I trust You with this year.

One day at a time.

One step at a time.

Amen.

Start the New Year Rooted in God's Word

A new year doesn't come with a guarantee that everything will go according to plan.

And maybe that's okay.

Because our confidence doesn't have to come from knowing what will happen.

It can come from knowing who holds the future.

God is already there.

He will meet you in the joyful moments.

He will meet you in the hard moments.

He will meet you in the waiting.

He will meet you when you don't understand.

He will meet you when you have to begin again.

So don't feel pressured to have the whole year figured out.

Start with today.

Open your Bible.

Spend time with God.

Listen.

Pray.

Take the next step.

And trust Him with the rest.

The new year is not a promise that everything will be new.

But it is another opportunity to walk more deeply with the God who has been faithful all along.

And that is something worth looking forward to.

🌿 A Simple Way to Keep God's Word Close

If you want to begin the year with a simple rhythm of prayer and Scripture, the 21 Day Prayer Journal is a beautiful place to start.

You don't need a complicated plan.

Just a little space each day to slow down, pray, reflect, and spend time with God.

Use these 25 verses as a starting point, and let your journal become a place where you record what God is teaching you.

One day. One prayer. One step closer to Him.

🌱 Looking Ahead: Trusting the Gardener 30-Day Journey

As you begin a new year, remember that spiritual growth takes time.

A seed doesn't become a harvest overnight.

There are seasons of planting, waiting, growing, pruning, and eventually bearing fruit.

That's why Trusting the Gardener 30-Day Journey is such a natural companion for this season.

It invites you to slow down and consider what God may be growing in your life—even when you can't see the results yet.

You don't have to force the growth.

You don't have to figure everything out.

Stay close to the Gardener.

Keep showing up.

Keep trusting.

And let God tend to the places in your heart that He is still growing.

This year, may we care less about becoming a “new” version of ourselves and more about becoming deeply rooted in Christ.