New Year, Stronger Faith
Setting Spiritual Goals for 2026
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Every new year arrives with a holy interruption, a pause where life slows just long enough to ask us who we are becoming.
There is a moment before the celebrations begin, before the resolutions are written, and before the calendar turns, when reflection settles in. It is the space where we look honestly at the promises we meant to keep, the prayers we lifted in faith, and the seasons when trusting God came easily alongside those when it did not.
In that sacred pause, one question rises above all others: What kind of person am I becoming in my walk with God? Not measured by productivity or achievement, but by surrender. Not by how busy life has been, but by how deeply our hearts have stayed anchored in Christ.
A new year does not demand reinvention; it invites realignment. While the world urges us to chase progress, God invites us to pursue presence. He is not asking for flawless faith in 2026. He is asking for faithful intention. He is asking for a willing heart that chooses Him daily, even in small, unseen moments.
This is your invitation to step into the coming year with purpose, not driven by pressure, but led by prayer. Faith does not grow by accident; it grows when we choose to seek God intentionally. As we look toward 2026, that intention takes shape through three foundational practices: setting faith-filled goals, creating a plan for spiritual growth, and committing to habits that keep Christ at the center of everyday life.
Setting Faith-Filled Goals That Matter
The world tells us to set goals that make life bigger, more successful, more visible, more productive. But the Spirit invites us to set goals that make life deeper, more prayerful, more peaceful, more anchored in God.
In Proverbs 16:3, we’re reminded, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (NKJV). This verse, written by King Solomon, emphasizes that lasting direction doesn’t come from ambition but from alignment. When we commit our plans to God, He doesn’t just bless our actions. He transforms our desires.
So as you look toward 2026, ask:
What would it look like to grow closer to Christ this year?
What spiritual habits need to take root?
What distractions or fears is God asking you to release?
Faith goals aren’t about perfection; they’re about pursuit. You might choose to spend more time in Scripture, develop a habit of gratitude, join a small group, or serve in your community. Each goal, offered to God, becomes a seed of faith that He can grow in His timing.
Creating a Plan for Spiritual Growth
Goals take root when intentional rhythms nurture them. Just as a gardener tends to the soil, we too must cultivate our spiritual lives with consistency.
Psalm 1:2–3 paints a beautiful picture of this kind of life:
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season…” (NKJV).
The psalmist contrasts the fleeting success of the ungodly with the stability of one who dwells in God’s Word. Growth doesn’t happen overnight; it happens when we remain planted.
To build a plan that lasts, consider setting specific rhythms rather than vague resolutions. Instead of “pray more,” commit to praying at a set time each day. Instead of “read the Bible more,” choose a reading plan or a book of Scripture to study deeply. Invite accountability: a friend, a mentor, or a church group that helps you stay encouraged.
Remember: spiritual maturity is less about speed and more about steady surrender.
Committing to Faith-Driven Habits
Spiritual habits are the quiet, daily choices that shape who we’re becoming. They are how faith takes form in ordinary life.
In Romans 12:2 (NIV), Paul urges, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Writing to early believers in Rome, Paul reminded them that transformation doesn’t come from outward change alone but from inward renewal through the Holy Spirit.
Faith-driven habits are not about earning God’s love; they are about living from it. Whether it’s beginning your day with worship, practicing forgiveness, or resting in God’s presence instead of rushing through your schedule, each act of obedience becomes an act of worship.
As you establish habits for 2026, give yourself grace. Growth is rarely linear, but every moment of choosing faith over fear, prayer over panic, or peace over pressure draws you closer to Christ.
Stepping Into the New Year With Purpose
This year, let’s not measure success by how much we accomplish, but by how faithfully we abide. The new year is not a checklist; it’s an open invitation to deeper intimacy with God.
So take a quiet moment before the clock strikes midnight. Ask the Lord to guide your goals, to anchor your heart in His truth, and to remind you that your worth is not found in what you do, but in whose you are.
A Simple Step Forward:
Before January begins, write down one spiritual goal—a single, faith-rooted commitment you’ll carry into the year. Pray over it. Place it somewhere visible. Let it remind you that God is not only with you in this new beginning, but He’s leading you through it.
For more resources and weekly encouragement to grow your faith, subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com.
Interactive Faith Exercise: “Seek First” Scripture Focus
Purpose: Reinforce the article’s central theme and invite immediate reflection through Scripture engagement and memorization.
Step 1: Fill in the Blanks (1 minute)
Complete the verse below by filling in the missing words. Don’t rush—let each phrase settle in your heart.
“But seek first the ________ of God and His ____________, and all these things shall be ________ to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
(kingdom · righteousness · added)
Step 2: Personal Reflection (1 minute)
Answer this briefly—one sentence is enough:
This year, seeking God first looks like ___________________________________.
Step 3: Mini Memorization Challenge (30 seconds)
Cover the verse above and try to say it aloud from memory.
Then ask yourself:
Which word stands out to me most right now—and why?
Why this matters:
Scripture becomes powerful when it moves from the page into the heart. This short exercise turns reflection into action and helps anchor your spiritual goals in God’s Word as you step into the new year.
Some books don’t simply inform you—they gently realign your heart. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is one of those rare works that continues to speak with clarity and grace, no matter how many times you return to it. At its core, this book reminds us of a truth echoed throughout Scripture and reflected in the article New Year, Stronger Faith: life is not about our plans, but about God’s purposes.
Warren walks readers through foundational questions of faith—why we exist, how we are meant to live, and what it means to seek God first. His writing is practical yet deeply spiritual, encouraging believers to move beyond surface-level faith into intentional, Christ-centered living. This aligns beautifully with the article’s call to set faith-filled goals, cultivate spiritual habits, and realign our hearts with God as we step into a new season.
I’ve read this book several times, given it away to fellow Christian brethren, and wholeheartedly recommended it to my twin daughters when they first encountered the Lord. I’ve reviewed it in the past, y’s worth mentioning again, especially now, as its message continues to guide believers toward purposeful faith.
If you’re ready to deepen your walk with God, consider purchasing The Purpose Driven Life today—and don’t forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter for ongoing encouragement and faith-building resources.
Father God, as we step into this new season, draw our hearts closer to Yours and teach us to seek You above all else. Help us surrender our plans, renew our minds through Your Word, and walk each day with intentional faith and trust in You. Stir within us a deeper hunger for prayer—not as a task, but as a lifeline where we meet Your presence and find strength. May this year be marked not by striving, but by abiding in You, growing in love, obedience, and unwavering hope.