It’s a new year. What do the next 12 months hold for you? How can 2026 be better than last year?
Maybe it’s time for a fresh start.
Most of us think about changing something in our lives, especially at the start of a new year. Here are some of the most common things people say they want to change:
- Eat healthier.
- Lose weight.
- Save money.
- Pay off debt.
- Start a new hobby.
- Improve relationships.
- Find work/life balance.
- Be on time.
- Pray more.
- Get organized.
Do any of these sound familiar?
How can you make changes in your own life—and consider all that God has for you throughout 2026?
First, it’s not about New Year’s resolutions. They often fade in the first few days or weeks of making them. Instead, we’re talking about making real and lasting changes in our lives with the power of God at work in us and through us.
As believers, we desire to do God’s will. So we need to seek what He has for us, and then surrender to that and walk in His will on a daily basis.
We are called to be holy.
To love and serve others.
To steward our time and talents.
To reach the lost—and be “salt and light” that attracts people to Christ.
And that looks different in each of our lives.
In order to do God’s will and become the men and women of God we’re meant to be, we often need to make changes in our lives.
And what better time to do that than at the start of a new year.
Making changes begins with preparation.
We need to “prepare to change.”
We can prepare by looking back, looking ahead, spending time in prayer, and then making a plan with new habits—to either stop doing something or start doing something new.
As you prepare for the year ahead, consider setting aside a quiet time with the Lord to reflect, pray, and ponder: What does this new year hold for me?
In this time of preparation and reflection with the Lord, be sure to tune out the noise around you and remove distractions. Turn off your phone and other devices while you tune in to discern what God has for you.
First: Review the past year.
Start by celebrating the good things from the past year. What was positive or life-giving? As you recall the year behind you, also tell God how thankful you are for all He has done.
Then, think about the challenging times from the past year. What were some life lessons you learned? What is God teaching you? Perhaps the Lord is helping you to have more patience, or love someone who’s hard to love, or learn to wait well—even when you think things are taking entirely too long.
Second: You’ve looked back. Now, look ahead.
Think about what you would like to be different in your life this year. What are your priorities? You may want to write down your thoughts in a notebook, journal, or online device.
You may want to list categories for your priorities, such as making changes in your personal life, work life, finances, relationships, home, travel, hobbies, or other areas.
Then seek to align your actions with your priorities—and build new habits to help you live them out daily.
In addition, some people like to choose a “Word for the Year,” something they aspire to or want to focus on. Here are some words to consider—or choose something different that meets your needs?
Gratitude Grow
Courage Restore
Prayer Self-Care
Create Healing
Commit Hope
Build Grace
Cultivate Trust
Third: Prayer changes things.
You’ve taken time to reflect on the past year and pondered some ideas for the year ahead. Now spend time in prayer talking with the Lord. Ask Him:
- What do you have for me in 2026, Lord? What is Your will?
- What do you want me to focus on?
- What needs to go, what needs to change?
- How can I better serve others this year?
And tell the Lord what’s on your heart, too. Your dreams and desires.
Take time to listen, wait and hear from God. Most likely you will not hear an audible voice, although that could happen, but it’s a “knowing” in your spirit. You may not hear anything at first. And it may take time. So keep asking and seeking God’s direction every day. And in His own way and timing He will guide you.
Have hope and faith that He will direct you. We serve a great and mighty God. In His power and strength anything is possible!
Here are some helpful Bible verses as you trust God for His direction:
Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “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.”
Remember, making changes takes time—and practice. You don’t get good at something by doing it once. Press on! As you partner with the Lord, and continually seek God’s help, changes will come.
So, how does change happen? One choice at a time.
May God give you the wisdom and power to choose wisely.
I’d like to close by sharing the lyrics to a hymn written in 1874 by Frances R. Havergal, a poet, author, and hymn-writer. The words are still relevant today.
ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above;
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.
–Frances R. Havergal, 1874
