5 Bible Promises for the New Year

In a world of uncertainty, God’s unwavering love and promises are warm, solid, and reliable. God’s word is filled with promises from our Creator and the ultimate source for truth. Nothing on Earth or in the universe, whether visible or invisible, can thwart what God has promised for those who are His children. Read what scripture tells about God’s promises and face your new year with hope.

Friendship
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).

“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Jesus sticks close by us at our most undesirable, least loveable moments. We can tell him anything and He understands. Like a true friend, Jesus enhances our good qualities and, with a breath of kindness, blows the rest away.

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me even when I fail, encouraging me in my discouragement, and sticking close to me during tough times. May I be as good a friend as You are. Amen.

Health
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4).

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

There are very few things that can be counted on to last forever, but souls are eternal; they remain even when our earthly bodies decay. We need to see beyond the physical by focusing on the spiritual. There is life beyond what we are experiencing in this moment.

Dear Lord, help us keep an eternal focus when we struggle with the physical limitations of our bodies here on Earth. Amen.

Rest
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

Constant work is not what God intended for our lives. We should work hard, but not to the exclusion of rest and times of renewal for our minds and souls. Our food, homes, and friendships are gifts God meant for us to enjoy. Finding time isn’t always easy, but the rewards of a calmer mind and a grateful heart will be well worth the effort.

Lord, thank you for the blessings You’ve bestowed on my life. Help me to find moments to enjoy them. Amen.

Forgiveness
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you” (Psalm 86:5).

“They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them” (Nehemiah 9:17).

The Lord desires for us to have relationships founded on kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. As we, through the Holy Spirit in us, are able to live this kind of life, we model Christ to others. Our purpose in life is to become more like Him. Why not begin living life to become more like Him? Why not begin living a life of forgiveness today?

Forgiving Lord, I desire to be more like You. Enable me to forgive those who have hurt me and live a life of forgiveness. Amen.

Joy
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21).

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).

God’s joy isn’t based on our circumstances; rather, its roots begin with the seeds of God’s word planted in our hearts. Suddenly, our hearts spill over with joy, knowing that God loves us and He has complete control of our lives. Joy is Jesus.

Dear Jesus, knowing You surpasses anything and everything else the world offers. Never allow the joy in my heart to evaporate in the desert of difficulties. Amen.