A new year is a unique opportunity to self-reflect and assess what future goals you have for yourself. As Christians, our faith should also play a part in our new year goals for 2023. Here are some ideas for Christian goals for the new year.

1. Grow in God's Word

"Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." In this John 16:33 scripture, Jesus warns us that life will not be smooth sailing. But we can be encouraged because we have a saviour who has overcome. When you grow in the knowledge of memorising scriptures, you are better equipped to combat the challenges of life with God's word. Meditating and memorising scripture means when a tempting situation comes up, you're brought to God's word more quickly in response. You can never get enough of God's word and therefore, growing in God's word is always a great Christian goal for the new year.

2. Sharing Your Faith With Others

Jesus calls us to spread the Good News of the gospel (Matthew 28: 19-20). There are various ways to do this, through the way we live. Whether it's old or new faces we encounter in the new year, we should always aim to tell others about Jesus and the hope they can find in him through our interactions with them. Building relationships with people who don’t know Jesus is a great way to authentically share your faith as they get to know you more – conversations can naturally come up from this as you share more about yourself with them, which should naturally include your faith. 1 Peter 3:15 reads: "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."

3. Trusting God for provision

In the cost of living crisis, many are struggling with the provision of some of the most basic needs. However, the God we serve is known as Jehovah Jireh- The God who provides (Genesis 22:14). And He encourages us not to worry and trust that He will provide for us.

Matthew 6:28-33 reads: “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are." Leaning into trusting God for His provision helps you grow closer to him and also makes you less worried about the future. Worry solves nothing, but God is the one who can provide solutions.