Scriptures for the New Year

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Any list of Scriptures for the New Year has to start with Isaiah 43:18-19… right?

The last month, I’ve been working over-time trying to catch up on my to-do list so I don’t start the New Year off behind.

Do you do that?

I do this every year. And every year, I have to remind myself to prioritize. There are things on my to-do list that don’t really have to be done before the end of the year. Yes, I might have started a project in 2020 (or 2010), but that doesn’t mean it has to be finished when this year comes to an end.

Isaiah 55:6-9 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

While I would love to start the year off with a clean slate, that isn’t always God’s plan. In Isaiah 43, God isn’t talking about forgetting the last year. He is doing a new thing. But that new thing isn’t on our to-do list, it’s in our hearts.

With that in mind, I want to share some Scriptures for the New Year that aren’t just about new beginnings, but about moving forward with Jesus.

8 Scriptures for the New Year

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’

Lamentations 3:22-24

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help. Remember the amazing things he has done. Remember his miracles and his fair decisions.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 ERV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NIV

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Isaiah 40:31 AMP

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Matthew 22:37-38 NIV

Choosing a Scripture for the New Year That Works for You

You’re probably familiar with the “one word” tradition. You pick one word or phrase to guide you through the new year.

I have heard of several people choosing a Scripture for the New Year instead of a word. It’s a neat twist.

However, for me, choosing a word or Scripture for the New Year always stresses me out. It’s one more thing on my already overwhelmed to-do list. Thus, I have a life phrase: Point to Jesus.

But just because it doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

My friend Maree Dee offers a great resource on her blog each January. It’s a printable workbook on choosing a spiritual goal and verse to go along with it. It walks you through with worksheets looking back and forwards to see how our relationship is growing with God. If you want to pick a Scripture for the new year and you haven’t yet, I highly encourage you to check it out.

• Originally published December 28th, 2020 on Candidly Christian