Starting the New Year Strong with God

“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (CSB)

Every January we’re bombarded with messages about reinventing ourselves, setting ambitious goals, and becoming “new and improved” versions of who we were. But God’s invitation in Isaiah 43 offers something far more profound than self-improvement. God offers us an invitation to align ourselves with what He’s already doing.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, God doesn’t ask us to manufacture something new through sheer willpower. He says, “I am about to do something new.” The work is His. Our role is to stop fixating our desires and goals, on past failures and disappointments. Rather, we are to lift our heads, and pay attention to what God is doing, to discern His movement, to align our lives with His purposes rather than our own agendas.

This is the difference between New Year’s resolutions and kingdom living. Resolutions focus on self-generated change through discipline and effort. Kingdom living focuses on surrendering to what God is already accomplishing and joining Him in it. One leads to burnout by February; the other leads to transformation that lasts.

Commit to Reading the Bible in a Year

So how do we align ourselves with God’s purposes for this new year? It starts with knowing Him better, and that requires spending consistent time in His Word. God reveals His character, His heart, and His purposes through Scripture. If we want to see where He’s making “a way in the wilderness” and bringing “rivers in the desert” in our lives, we need to be people who are saturated in His truth.

Starting January 1st, commit to reading through the entire Bible in 2026. It sounds daunting, but it’s only about 15-20 minutes a day—less time than scrolling social media. At New Life, we have 2 Bible reading plans starting:

1. Walk through the Bible with our Lead Pastor, Brett Andrews. Everyday you have an opportunity to read, comment and ask questions. Click here to be part of that group.

2. Bible in Year Text plan. Get a daily Bible reading and short video devo texted to your phone. Text “Bible” to 703-454-5990 to be part of it

Reading the Bible daily matters because it helps you align with God’s purpose and plan for you. After all, you can’t align your life with God’s purposes if you don’t know what they are. Taking time to read the Bile daily helps trains your eyes to recognize where God is working. It renews your mind when the world tries to squeeze you into its mold. It gives you wisdom for decisions, comfort in trials, and vision for what God is calling you toward.

Conclusion

This year, don’t just set goals. Seek God. Don’t just try harder. Pay attention to what He’s already doing. Start strong by starting in His Word, and watch Him do something new in you.