Encouragements and Promises for the New Year
The start of a new year is always a time to reflect, reset, and renew our sense of hope. As we step into 2025, here are four powerful encouragements and promises from God’s Word to guide and inspire us.
1. God is ALWAYS Doing a New Thing
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
Be encouraged – God is always at work, even in the ‘desert places’ where it feels like there’s no way forward. His promise is clear: “See, I am doing a new thing!” If we’re prepared to look for it, there will always be reasons for hope, no matter what’s happening in the world around us.
This promise isn’t just for the world at large; it’s deeply personal. God’s “new thing” can spring up in your own life – bringing direction, refreshment, and renewed purpose in areas where you might feel stuck. Are you ready to perceive it?
2. You Are Made New in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
No matter what happened last year, as followers of Jesus, we live as new creations. The old has gone, and the new is here! Each of us can step into 2025 with the freedom and confidence of someone who knows their past is forgiven and their future is secure in Christ.
This applies whether life feels full of promise or full of challenges. The new creation reality means we don’t need to carry the weight of regret or fear into the year ahead. Instead, we can walk forward in hope, trusting that God’s transformative power is at work in us.
3. God’s Mercies Are New Every Morning
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Each day is a fresh start with God. His mercy meets us every morning – right when we need it. No matter what challenges we face, we can rest in His faithfulness and find joy in knowing His love for us never fails.
If you’re feeling weary, take heart. God’s daily mercies are a reminder that you don’t have to tackle the entire year in one leap. His faithfulness will sustain you one day at a time.
4. Expect Great Things from God
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Let’s dream big for 2025 because we serve a God who can do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. His power is at work within us, equipping us to accomplish incredible things for His glory.
What could your life, your family, or your church look like if you dared to expect great things from God this year? Let’s believe together that His purposes will shine through us, bringing glory to His name in this generation and the next.
Questions to reflect on
Take some time to apply this message to your 2025 by reflecting on these questions:
1. Which of these four promises did you need to hear most this year?
2. Where do you sense God might be doing something new in your life?
3. What’s one way you want to grow in faith this year?
