As we begin a new year, it is a perfect opportunity to refocus and realign your life as most of us have had a chance to step away from work, school and other things in our normal routine, and think about the things that truly matter: your relationship with God. Setting spiritual goals can help you grow closer to Him, strengthen your faith, and live out His purpose for you. The key to making resolutions that last is to be intentional, realistic, and prayerful. Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to set faith goals that will transform your walk with Christ this year.
What Are Spiritual Goals?
Spiritual goals are commitments that deepen your relationship with God and align your life with His will. Unlike worldly resolutions focused on self-improvement, faith goals center on growing in love, faith, and service. Examples might include:
- Reading through the Bible: Commit to a daily or weekly reading plan. Consider starting with a manageable schedule, like reading one chapter a day or focusing on a specific book. You can even start small, and commit to reading for 60 days with our Bible Reading Plan.
- Improving your prayer life: Set aside consistent time to pray and journal your prayers. Use the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a model. Find a space in your home that’s quiet and private without distractions.
- Volunteering regularly: Serve in your church or community to show God’s love through action. This could be anything from joining a ministry to supporting a local non-profit.
Tips for Making Goals That Last
- Pray for Direction: Before setting any goals, spend time in prayer asking God to guide you. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- Be Specific and Realistic: Goals like “read the Bible more” are vague and easy to neglect. Instead, aim for something measurable, like “read through the New Testament by June.”
- Break It Down: Large goals can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller steps, such as tackling one Psalm each week instead of committing to the entire book all at once.
- Find Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or small group. Regular check-ins can keep you motivated and provide encouragement when you need it. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that “two are better than one” because they can help each other succeed.
- Celebrate Progress: Give yourself grace when you fall short, and celebrate milestones along the way. Each step forward is a testament to God’s work in your life.
Staying Motivated
It’s natural to start strong and lose momentum over time, but you can stay motivated by keeping your focus on the eternal benefits of growing closer to God. Remind yourself of promises like Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
A journal or app can also help you track progress and reflect on how God is transforming you. Celebrate moments when you see His hand at work through your efforts.
As you step into this new year, let your resolutions reflect a desire to grow closer to God and live out His purpose. Whether it’s reading through the Bible, building a stronger prayer life, or serving others, your intentional goals can deepen your faith and impact the world around you.
For resources and inspiration to keep you motivated throughout the year, visit our Resources page!