One of my favorite things to do at the turn of a new year is to open the crisp new pages of my new planner for the year. (Ha, yes, I still use a paper planner for various aspects of my life…it’s complicated, people!) I love the freshness of a new year and new beginnings. The particular planner I use* includes a vision board, healthy habit goals, and yearly goals sheet – all the things to usher in a great year! And this girl always has LOTS of goals.

For all of the anticipation I have at the start of a new year, and despite all of the goal planning, there is actually no roadmap for what happens when (not if, but when) my plans go sideways. Countless obstacles loom — a bad diagnosis, a job change, family struggles, sickness…. There’s no column for contingency planning. There are no spaces for “what ifs”. And truth be told, we will have trouble (John 16:33). Full disclosure here; it might seem strange, but as I approach each new year, I always have to shake away underlying worries. Is this the year? What if my health fails? What if tragedy strikes? What if [enter life’s curveball here]? I tend to hang onto one part of John 16:33 — “In this world you will have trouble.” — while losing context of the rest — “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (emphasis mine).

To no surprise, these worries creep further in the more I try to grab control of what I want the year to be. Our worries and doubts are so closely linked with control. When we do not have control of something, we tend to doubt its outcome, efficacy, etc.

I believe God gave us the knowledge and story of Job for perspective when we worry like this. The story of Job in the Bible, found in the Book of Job, is one of the most profound narratives about suffering, faith, and God’s sovereignty. His story encourages believers to trust God’s character and sovereignty, even in the face of unanswered questions. It reminds us that God’s purposes are higher than ours and that faithfulness in trials is rewarded, though perhaps not in ways we expect. I am reminded of the importance of remembering God’s character when I am doubting. God can do immeasurably more than we ask (Ephesians 3:20), and His plans are perfect (Psalm 18:30, Jeremiah 29:11).

So, how can we walk into 2025, replacing any worries, fears, and doubts with confidence?

Walking into 2025 with less doubt, more hope, and greater confidence is a meaningful goal that aligns beautifully with the life of faith that I desire. In the true spirit of 2025 goal-setting, here are some considerations as we step into this new year together:

1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Promises
God’s Word is our biggest weapon in this world and His Good News is our biggest hope.

• Scriptural Truth: God’s Word is a steady foundation for confidence and hope. Memorize and meditate on verses like:
  • “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
• Practice: Start each day by reflecting on one promise of God, and speak it aloud to combat doubt.

2. Cultivate Gratitude

• Why It Matters: Gratitude shifts focus from what’s uncertain to what is already good and sure in your life.
• Practice: Keep a gratitude journal and list at least three blessings each day. This will remind you of God’s faithfulness in the past and His ongoing provision.

3. Deepen Your Prayer Life

• Why It Matters: Prayer strengthens your relationship with God and shifts your focus from your doubts to His sufficiency.
• Practice: Spend intentional time daily in prayer, focusing on:
  • Praising God for who He is.
  • Thanking Him for what He’s done.
  • Bringing your concerns, doubts, and hopes before Him.

4. Replace Doubt with Truth

• Scriptural Truth: Doubt often stems from lies or fears. Combat them with God’s truth:
  • “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Practice: When doubt arises, identify the specific fear or lie behind it. Find a Scripture that counters it and declare that truth.

5. Surround Yourself with Encouraging Community

• Why It Matters: Fellowship with other believers can build you up and help you stay focused on God’s goodness.
• Practice: Join a small group, attend church regularly, and/or find a mentor or accountability partner who can encourage you and pray with you.

6. Embrace God’s Purpose for You

• Why It Matters: Confidence grows when you live with a sense of God’s calling on your life.
• Practice: Spend time reflecting on the gifts and opportunities God has given you. How can you use them in 2025 to serve others and glorify Him? “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)

7. Remember God’s Faithfulness

• Why It Matters: Reflecting on how God has worked in your life reminds you that He will continue to be faithful.
• Practice: Write down significant moments where God has answered prayers and shown His faithfulness. Use this as a reminder when you face challenges or simply need encouragement.

8. Focus on Eternal Hope

• Why It Matters: Our ultimate hope isn’t in circumstances, but in Christ and the eternal life He promises.
• Practice: Keep an eternal perspective. Reflect on passages like Romans 8:18 (“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”) to remind yourself that your hope is secure in Christ.

9. Step Forward in Faith

• Why It Matters: Confidence grows when we act on faith, trusting God even when we don’t have all the answers.
• Practice: Set small, faith-driven goals for 2025 and ask God for the courage to take each step. Remember, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

10. Rest in God’s Presence

• Why It Matters: True confidence comes from knowing God is with you.
• Practice: Spend quiet moments each day in God’s presence, practicing stillness and trusting Him to guide you. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (found in Psalm 46:10 and tattooed on my ankle!)

This year, my planner will consider a handful of these and a less lengthy to-do list. Perhaps my biggest accomplishment this year will be replacing worry and control with confidence in the One who is in control. By grounding myself in God’s truth, living intentionally, and trusting in His faithfulness, I can shed the doubt and step into 2025 with hope, confidence, and peace. Join me!

“Lord, as I step into this new year, help me to walk in faith, not fear. Replace my doubts with trust, my worries with hope, and my insecurities with confidence in You. Thank You for Your promises, Your presence, and Your plan for my life. Help me to live each day fully for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

*I’ve loved and have been using Christian Planner yearly planners for years now; you check them out here if interested.