Seeking God’s Will for the New Year – Setting Spiritual Goals

As you approach a new year, it is a time of hope and anticipation, filled with opportunities for growth, renewal, and fresh starts. More than setting worldly resolutions, seeking God’s will for your life in the coming year is essential. Proverbs 16:9 (KJV) reminds us, “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” While it is good to make plans, true success and fulfillment come from aligning your goals with God’s purposes.

In this week’s reflection, you will explore how to set spiritual goals that honor God, deepen your faith, and lead you on the path He has designed for you. By seeking His will and focusing on growth in prayer, Scripture study, service, and personal holiness, you will enter the new year with purpose and confidence that God is guiding your steps.

Why Seeking God's Will Matters

Before setting any goals for the new year, it is important to recognize that your life is part of God’s larger plan. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God has a plan for your life, and it is only by seeking His will that you will find His true path for you.

Seeking God’s will helps you align your desires with His purposes. Rather than setting goals driven by personal ambition or worldly desires, seeking His will shifts your focus to what truly matters—your relationship with Him and your calling to live out His purpose on earth. Jesus models this perfectly in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prays in Luke 22:42 (KJV), “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” By submitting your plans to God, you allow Him to shape your year according to His perfect design.

How to Set Spiritual Goals for the New Year

1. Start with Prayer Before setting any goals, seek God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal His will for your life in the new year and guide your heart and mind toward what He desires for you. James 1:5 (KJV) promises, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Invite God to lead your goal-setting process and trust He will direct your steps. Application: Set aside dedicated time this week to pray for God’s wisdom and direction as you reflect on the upcoming year.

2. Reflect on the Past Year: Reflect on the past year and how God has been at work in your life. What spiritual victories did you experience? Where did you face challenges or struggles? Reflecting on your spiritual journey helps you identify areas where you have grown and where you may need to focus in the coming year.
   Application: Write down three key areas where you saw spiritual growth last year, and consider what lessons God may want you to carry into the new year.

3. Focus on Growth Areas Rather than setting broad or vague goals, focus on specific areas where you want to grow spiritually. This could include increasing your time in prayer, studying the Bible more consistently, serving others with greater love, or deepening your relationship with God. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) encourages, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Spiritual growth is a lifelong process, and setting goals in specific areas will help you focus your efforts in the coming year. Application: Identify one or two areas of spiritual growth you would like to focus on in the new year.

4. Align Your Goals with God’s Word When setting spiritual goals, ensure they are rooted in biblical truth. Your goals should reflect a desire to live out God’s commands and follow Christ’s example. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Let Scripture guide your goal-setting process, helping you to remain grounded in God’s promises. Application: As you set your goals, find specific Bible verses that align with each goal and use them as encouragement throughout the year.

5. Surrender Your Plans to God. Once you have set your spiritual goals, surrender them to God. It is important to remember that while you can plan, God ultimately directs your path. Psalm 37:5 (KJV) says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” By surrendering your goals to God, you acknowledge that His will is sovereign and will guide you according to His plan. Application: In prayer, give your goals to God, trusting Him to work in and through you in the new year.

Action Steps for You

1. Pray for Guidance: This week, pray intentionally, asking God to reveal His will for your life in the new year. Seek His wisdom as you reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead.
2. Write Down Specific Spiritual Goals: After praying and reflecting, write down one or two specific goals you want to focus on in the new year. These could include deepening your prayer life, studying Scripture more regularly, serving others, or growing in a specific fruit of the Spirit.
3. Align Your Goals with Scripture: Find a Bible verse that supports each goal. Use these verses as reminders and encouragement throughout the year.
4. Surrender Your Goals to God: Finally, surrender your goals to God, trusting He will guide your steps and accomplish His will.

Reflection Questions

• What spiritual lessons have you learned over the past year?
• How do you sense God leading you into the new year?
• What specific areas of your faith would you like to grow in?
• How can you ensure your goals are aligned with God’s will and Word?

Challenge for the Week

Spend 30 minutes in prayer this week, seeking God’s will for the new year. Write down one or two spiritual goals for the upcoming year and a corresponding Bible verse for each goal. Surrender your plans to God, trusting Him to guide your steps.

Conclusion

Setting spiritual goals is a powerful way to enter the new year with purpose and focus, keeping your heart aligned with God’s will. By seeking His guidance, reflecting on your past growth, and setting specific goals rooted in His Word, you can confidently approach the new year in His leading. Remember that the journey of faith is continuous, and God, who has been faithful in the past, will continue to guide and grow you in the years to come. Let this year be one of intentional spiritual growth as you seek to follow God’s will and draw closer to Him in all you do.

Seeking God’s Will for the New Year – Setting Spiritual Goals.

Proverbs 31:25 - "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."