Like many others, I try to start out the New Year by writing new goals for myself. And like many others, I usually don’t make it past the first week of January before I end up breaking most of the goals I set for myself. Whether it is going to the gym, eating healthier, praying more, or trying to spend less money, I can never keep up with my goals. I think the problem is that these are all self-focused goals, rather than goals that put my focus on where it should be… outward. 

So this year, I want to start off the New Year with Bible Verses that remind me Who is above all else and why I put God first. I hope these verses inspire you too!

1. Putting God First

John 15:5 NIV-  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” 

2. God is in Control

            Proverbs 16:9 NIV-  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

3. Salvation Gives Us New Hope

            2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 

4. God’s Love

             Deuteronomy 23:5 NIV- However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you.

5. Pass on Christ’s Peace

            Colossians 3:15 NIV- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” 

6.  A New Heart in Christ

            Ezekiel 36:26 NIV- I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

7. Looking Forward

            Philippians 3:13-14 NLT- No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. 

8. God is Faithful Even When We Are Not

            1 John 1:9 ESV- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

9. Trust God’s Timing

            Psalm 37:7 NIV- Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him

10. The Good News

            Luke 2:10-11 NIV- But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Christ’s love is the best news we have for embracing the New Year and looking forward to what 2019 will bring! We have a God who loves us and is in control, who sent us a savior because He knew we would need Him. No matter what goals we have and break, if we remember God’s love and put Him first, this year will be better than the last.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse that inspires you? Share it in the comments below.