New Year, Renewed Faith: Building a Stronger Relationship with God in 2025
The clock struck midnight. Fireworks painted the sky, and cheers filled the air as resolutions were whispered with fresh determination. Amid the excitement, a man looked down at a crumpled piece of paper—his list of goals hastily written before the year ended. Fitness, finances, career ambitions. But as he read through it, something felt off. Not a single word about his faith, purpose, or relationship with God.
The next morning, Bible in hand, he prayed, “Lord, this year, let my plans start with You.”
If this resonates with you, take heart. Many of us long for something deeper at the start of a new year—not fleeting resolutions but lasting transformation. If you’re seeking renewal and a closer walk with God in 2025, here are six practical and meaningful steps to guide you.
1. Start with Reflection and Thanksgiving
Before you plan for the future, take a moment to reflect on the past. How has God been present in your life? What prayers has He answered? Even through challenges, His faithfulness shines.
Psalm 100:4 encourages us: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, NIV). Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to recognizing God’s abundant blessings.
Action Step:
Write down three specific ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life. Use this list as a foundation for prayer and thanksgiving.
2. Prioritize Daily Time with God
A deeper relationship with God begins with consistency. Just like any relationship, spending time together strengthens the bond. Daily prayer, Bible reading, and worship create space for God to speak to your heart.
Jesus modeled this beautifully: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35, NIV). If Jesus prioritized time with the Father, we should too.
Action Step:
Dedicate 15 minutes each day to quiet time with God. Start with a devotional, read a chapter of Scripture, or simply spend time in prayer.
3. Align Your Goals with God’s Purpose
Setting goals is valuable, but they are most meaningful when aligned with God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3, NIV).
Instead of focusing solely on personal desires, ask God for guidance. Seek goals that reflect His priorities—whether it’s serving others, growing spiritually, or stepping into obedience.
Action Step:
Pray over your goals and evaluate: Do they honor God? How can they be adjusted to reflect His purpose?
4. Cultivate a Spirit of Service
Serving others is a powerful way to grow closer to God. Jesus said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28, NIV). When you serve, you reflect God’s love and shift your focus outward.
Action Step:
Find one way to serve regularly this year—volunteer at church, mentor someone, or participate in community outreach.
5. Stay Connected to the Body of Christ
Faith grows stronger in community. Surrounding yourself with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV).
Action Step:
Commit to regular church attendance, join a small group, or connect with a Christian mentor.
6. Trust God with the Journey
Spiritual growth is a process, not a sprint. Philippians 1:6 offers reassurance: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6, NIV). Trust God’s timing and remain patient as you grow in faith.
Action Step:
Start a prayer journal to track your prayers and answered prayers. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness will strengthen your trust in Him.
Take the First Step Today
As 2025 begins, make it a year of renewed faith and deeper purpose. Start with reflection, spend time with God daily, and trust Him to guide your steps. He desires a closer relationship with you—and it all starts with small, intentional actions.
Subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter for weekly encouragement, spiritual tools, and inspiration. Let’s journey together to make 2025 a year of transformation and a stronger relationship with God.
Welcome to this interactive Bible study! As you reflect on “New Year, Renewed Faith,” this activity will guide you in exploring key Scriptures that emphasize trust, purpose, and spiritual renewal. Use the fill-in-the-blank format to engage with God’s Word more deeply.
Instructions
Read the provided Scripture titles and their summaries to understand the verse’s theme.
Use the partial Bible verses to locate the missing words. Refer to the cited Scriptures in your Bible to complete the blanks.
Reflect on the meaning of each verse and consider how it applies to your life in the new year.
Use the blank spaces provided after each Scripture for your personal notes, prayers, or insights.
Interactive Fill-in-the-Blanks Bible Study
1. Trust in God’s Plan
"Proverbs 3:5-6"
This foundational passage reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than our understanding. Trusting Him leads to clarity and peace in our decision-making.
Fill in the Blanks:
Trust in the Lord with all your _______ and lean not on your own _______; in all your ways ______ to him, and he will make your paths ______.
Reflection: How does trusting God change the way you approach your goals this year?
2. Seeking God’s Wisdom
"James 1:5"
God generously gives wisdom to those who seek it. This verse is a powerful reminder of His willingness to guide us when we ask for direction.
Fill in the Blanks:
If any of you ______ wisdom, you should ask God, who gives ______ to all without finding fault, and it will be ______ to you.
Reflection: When have you sought God’s wisdom in the past, and how did He provide guidance?
3. The Purpose of Life
"Ephesians 2:10"
This verse emphasizes that we are created by God for good works, planned long before we were born. It challenges us to live out our divine purpose daily.
Fill in the Blanks:
For we are God’s ______, created in Christ Jesus to do ______ works, which God ______ in advance for us to do.
Reflection: What “good works” might God be calling you to embrace in 2025?
4. Living a Transformed Life
"Romans 12:2"
Transformation through renewal of the mind enables us to understand God’s perfect will. This verse highlights the importance of spiritual growth.
Fill in the Blanks:
Do not conform to the ______ of this world, but be ______ by the renewing of your ______. Then you will be able to ______ and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and ______ will.
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to transformation?
5. Walking in Faith, Not Fear
"Philippians 4:6-7"
This passage invites us to replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving, trusting God to provide peace beyond our understanding.
Fill in the Blanks:
Do not be ______ about anything, but in every situation, by ______ and petition, with ______, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all ______, will guard your ______ and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What worries can you surrender to God as you step into the new year?
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations on completing this Bible study! As you filled in these scriptures, you deepened your engagement with God’s Word. Reflect on these verses throughout 2025, and let them guide your decisions, strengthen your faith, and renew your purpose.
Heavenly Father, as we enter this new year, we surrender our plans, dreams, and uncertainties into Your loving hands. Ignite a fire within us to seek You above all else, renewing our hearts and minds with Your truth and grace. Guide us to align our goals with Your divine purpose, empowering us to walk boldly in faith and service to others. May this year be one of deeper intimacy with You, marked by Your presence, peace, and transforming power in our lives.
Amen.