Starting the New Year With God at the Center 🙏✨

Hello Dear Friend,

There’s something so refreshing about the start of a new year, isn’t there? A blank slate, a fresh start, and the excitement of dreaming about what’s ahead. For years, I would sit down in early January and make a long list of resolutions—plans to get healthier, be more productive, or finally tackle that one big goal. And while there’s nothing wrong with dreaming or setting goals, I’ve learned something important over the years: my plans mean nothing if God isn’t at the center of them.

One year, I went all-in on resolutions. I mapped out every detail, set deadlines, and poured my energy into making things happen. But as the months passed, my carefully crafted plans started to fall apart. I felt frustrated and defeated, wondering why things weren’t working out the way I had hoped. That’s when God gently reminded me of Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

That verse hit me hard. I realized that I’d been so focused on making my own plans that I hadn’t paused to seek God’s will for my life. I was trying to take control instead of trusting the One who sees the bigger picture.

So now, as I step into a new year, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of starting with my own plans, I’m starting with prayer. I’m asking God to guide my steps, to show me His will, and to align my heart with His. I want this year to be less about achieving goals and more about deepening my relationship with Him.

If you’re like me and tend to jump straight into planning mode, I want to encourage you to pause. Take time to sit with God and ask Him what He wants for your life in this season. Maybe it’s not about adding more to your plate but about simplifying and making room for Him. Maybe it’s about trusting Him with the dreams you’ve been holding onto, even when they feel uncertain.

One practice that’s been helping me is setting aside a little extra time each day to read His Word and pray. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated—just a few moments to quiet my heart and listen for His voice. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” What a beautiful promise to hold onto as we begin this new year.

Friend, as we step into 2024, let’s commit to seeking God first. Let’s trust Him to guide our steps and shape our paths, knowing that His plans are always better than our own. And let’s remember that no matter what this year holds, He is faithful, and His love for us never changes.

With love and prayers for a God-centered new year,
Kimberly