As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's natural to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the one that’s passing. For some of us, this has been a year of triumph; for others, a year of tears. But regardless of where we’ve been, we have the promise of new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Isn’t that encouraging? The God who carried us through this year is already preparing to walk with us into the next!
Let’s end the year strong and step boldly into the new year with purpose, joy, and renewed focus.
1. Reflect on the Year With Gratitude
One of my favorite things to do at the end of each year is a “Gratitude Countdown.” I sit down with my journal and write out ten things I’m grateful for from this year. Sometimes, they’re big blessings—a promotion, good health, or a deepened relationship with God. Sometimes, they manifest as simple pleasures, like the sound of laughter echoing in a quiet park or the warmth of a good book on a chilly evening.
The Bible reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is a powerful lens that helps us see God’s faithfulness in every season, even the tough ones.
2. Leave Behind What Weighs You Down
Do you remember the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52? When Jesus called Bartimaeus, the Bible says he threw off his cloak, jumped up, and went to Jesus. That cloak represented his old life—the identity of a beggar. He wouldn’t let anything hold him back from stepping into the new.
As you prepare for the new year, ask yourself: What do I need to leave behind? Maybe it’s fear, procrastination, unhealthy relationships, or even self-doubt. Surrender those things to Jesus and trust Him to help you walk in freedom.
3. Dream Big and Plan Faithfully
I once read that God-sized dreams require God-sized faith. This past year, I had a dream to start a new initiative with my blog and let me tell you, it stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. But Philippians 4:13 kept me going: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
As you think about your goals for the new year, dream big! Write them down, pray over them, and take small, consistent steps toward them. Remember, faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Whether getting healthier, deepening your prayer life, starting a new business, or serving in your community, do it all for God’s glory.
4. Set Spiritual Goals
If you’re like me, sometimes the spiritual goals get overshadowed by the practical ones. But this year, I’m challenging myself to prioritize my walk with God. Maybe that means committing to reading through the Bible in a year, joining a new ministry, or carving out 30 minutes daily for prayer and worship.
One of my friends told me about her goal to memorize one Bible verse a week, and I loved that idea! When we hide God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), it becomes our anchor in the storms and our guide in the unknown.
5. Celebrate With Joy
Before diving headlong into planning for the new year, take time to celebrate the closing of this one. Get together with loved ones, share testimonies of God’s goodness, and praise Him for all He has done. A couple of years ago, my bible study group hosted a “God Did It” party, and we spent the evening sharing testimonies of answered prayers. It was one of the most uplifting nights of my life!
The Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Don’t let the season's busyness steal your joy. Instead, let’s celebrate the God who has been faithful every step of the way.
Stepping Boldly Into 2025
As you wave goodbye to this year and step into the new one, hold on to this promise: “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Whatever the new year holds, God is already there, ready to walk with you, guide you, and bless you.
Let’s make 2025 a year of purpose, progress, and powerful faith. Together, let’s finish this year strong and step boldly into the next, trusting that the best is yet to come.
How are you planning to finish the year strong? What are your hopes for the new year? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's grace. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
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