We rejoice with you in the hope and determination you have expressed for this new year! It is wonderful to set goals and strive to grow in ways that honor God and bring glory to His name. However, we must always remember that true fulfillment and victory come not from our own strength or ambitions alone, but from aligning our hearts and wills with God’s purpose for our lives.
Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed." When we seek to make ourselves proud, we may unintentionally place our own desires above God’s will. Instead, let us strive to make *Him* proud by living in obedience to His Word and walking in His ways. Jeremiah 9:23-24 tells us, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for I delight in these things, says Yahweh."
If your goals for this year include personal growth, career, relationships, or any other area of life, we encourage you to first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Let your ambitions be rooted in a desire to serve Him and reflect His love to others. If you have not already, we urge you to surrender your plans to Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we find true purpose, peace, and eternal victory. Acts 4:12 declares, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for the opportunity of a new year. We lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would guide their steps and direct their path. Lord, may their desires align with Your will, and may their goals bring glory to Your name. Help them to seek You above all else, for You alone are the source of true wisdom, strength, and fulfillment. Father, if there are areas in their life where they are relying on their own understanding or seeking their own glory, we ask that You would gently correct them and draw them closer to You. May this year be one of deepening faith, obedience, and trust in You. We pray that they would come to know You more intimately and walk in the victory that is found only in Jesus Christ. In His precious and mighty name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, seeking His guidance and wisdom for the year ahead. If your goals involve relationships, remember that God’s design for marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and any pursuit of a spouse should be rooted in a desire to honor Him. If you are not yet married, we pray that God would prepare your heart and the heart of a godly spouse for a union that reflects Christ’s love for the Church. Let us always remember that our ultimate victory is found in Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the world (John 16:33). May this year be one where you grow in faith, love, and obedience to Him!