How to Start the Year with Good Spiritual Intentions

As we step into a new year, many of us feel the pull to reset, refocus, and realign our lives with greater purpose and meaning. For some, this might mean starting a new blog; for others, it could mean saying goodbye to their blog, closing one chapter to make room for another.

The new year offers a chance for fresh beginnings. If you’re looking to grow spiritually, this is an excellent time to reflect on your faith journey and set goals that deepen your relationship with God.

Here are some suggestions to help you start the year with a focus on spiritual growth:

1. Start with Gratitude

Before jumping into new resolutions, take time to reflect on God’s blessings in your life. Gratitude shifts our eyes from what we lack and opens our eyes to what we’ve been given, cultivating a heart of thankfulness. You could start recording what you are thankful for each day in a gratitude journal. You could also set aside daily moments to thank God for His provision.

Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

2. Recommit to Your Spiritual Practices

Consider how you can deepen your relationship with God through prayer, scripture reading, and worship. It’s important to set realistic goals, like spending ten minutes each morning in prayer or reading one chapter of the Bible daily. Consistency matters more than perfection. If it’s been a minute since you’ve been to church, just go; no strings attached. This is particularly true if you’ve been through some spiritual battles in your church life. Leave your baggage at the door and go worship with the family of God.

3. Seek Silence and Solitude

In our busy, noisy world, silence can be a spiritual refuge. Make appointments with yourself and God. You can use your calendar to schedule regular moments of quiet reflection to help you listen for God’s voice and gain clarity. One of my favorite things to do is to sit on our patio with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and a notebook. Journaling, meditating on Scripture, reading a devotional or a Christian blog, or simply sitting in stillness each create space for God to speak into our life. Good news! You don’t have to do them all; start with one. Again, consistency matters more than perfection.

4. Serve Others with Intention

Serving others connects us to God. As evidenced in the birth of Jesus, the Lord has heart for humanity. You can find opportunities to serve in your church, community, and even within your family. Service doesn’t have to be grand production—the smallest acts of kindness, done with love, honor God.

5. Set Goals that Reflect Your Values

Instead of making resolutions focused solely on self-improvement, set intentions that align with your faith and values. Ask yourself, What will bring me closer to God? How can I love others better? Let your goals flow from these questions. Do what works for you in this particular season of life. Terri and I are committed to going to her parent’s house next door every Sunday morning and making breakfast. We believe it’s important to spend time with them and that in doing so we honor them and the Lord.

Exodus 20:12 NIV

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

6. Find a Spiritual Community

As believers, we don’t have to walk this journey alone. We are adopted into the family of God. It’s important for us to surround ourselves with a community of believers who encourage, challenge, and support us. Whether through a small group, church, or an online fellowship, prioritize relationships that nurture your faith. Find what works for you in this season. The pandemic wreaked havoc on many people’s church habits and as we continue to climb out from under the rubble, what once was, isn’t anymore. Maybe death, loss, or change has made it hard for you to participate in church. That’s okay. Just start going. Since Terri and I are committed to Sunday breakfast with her folks, we need to find a church that offers services at a different, non-traditional time. Remember: no body of believers is perfect. Thankfully, you and I aren’t either.

7. Pray for Guidance

Starting the year with good intentions means inviting God into our plans. Pray for wisdom, direction, and the courage to follow where He leads. Trust that His plan for your life is far greater than anything you could imagine.

As you step forward into the new year, remember that spiritual growth is a process, not a sprint. Give yourself grace as you navigate this journey.

I pray that this year is one of deepening faith, greater love, and a renewed sense of purpose for you.

Please pray for Terri and I as we navigate this journey ourselves.

What spiritual intentions are you setting this year?

Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you’re approaching this new season of fresh beginnings!

Until my next post…

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau—The Devotional Guy™