Last updated: October 29, 2023
New Year Bible verses offer us a meaningful way to both reflect on the past and embrace the upcoming year. This time of reflection and new beginnings is perfect for contemplating the person we aspire to be in 2024. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with our faith in God and share His words with the world, and what better way to do that than through Bible verses for the New Year?
If you’re looking for New Year verses for your own personal inspiration, or meaningful passages to share with family and friends, you’re in the right place! These verses are ideal for solitary reflection or for sharing via texts, emails, cards, messages, and social media. Let’s reflect, celebrate, and recommit to God through His word!
Each verse is accompanied by a short commentary in italics explaining the meaning of the verse and how it is relevant to the new year. This helps us understand how to apply the teachings of the Bible in our own lives. When we follow His words and walk His path, our lives will bear fruit. If you are confused about your goals, then you can surrender to God’s plan for you by reconnecting with Him through His words, and through prayer.
If you are entering the year with worry or anxiety, take comfort in the fact that God will never leave you. Surrender to him through prayer and trust that all will be well. Above all, let’s rejoice in the New Year that God has given us. As Christians, we are born anew, with a refreshed opportunity to serve.
Isaiah 40:30-31 | Hope will Bring you Strength
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Remember that your faith and hope in God will give you energy and power to overcome any difficulties that you face in the new year.
Ephesians 4:22-24 | A Time for New Beginnings
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
God asks us to cast aside our old selves as easily as we would shed old clothes, leaving behind vanity, greed, envy, and hate. As Christians, we are the new humanity – and we must constantly make ourselves anew in the image of Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:8 | God Blesses You Abundantly
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
God encourages us to give generously to others, because he will always replenish us. For a Christian, giving is an act of faith. You trust in God to meet your needs whilst becoming an instrument through which He meets the needs of others.
Psalm 20:4 | May All Your Plans Succeed
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
The saying goes: “you get what you wish for”. But what is really in your heart’s desire? New Year is the perfect time to reflect on what you really want. This Psalm reminds us to look beneath our superficial wants, connect with our heart, and check its alignment with God.
Isaiah 43:18-19 | Do not Dwell on the Past
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland.
As we usher in the new year, it’s time to let go of all that has happened in the past that is holding us back. The only way to welcome a fresh start is to live in the moment and move towards the future.
Jeremiah 17:8 | Trust in the Lord
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Plants growing near water have a regular supply of refreshment, can be strong, sturdy, consistently bear fruit, and provide shade to those in need. What a powerful metaphor for followers of Christ entering the new year!
2 Corinthians 5:17 | A New Beginning is Here
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
If you are a follower of Christ, you become a new person. Your old life has gone and a new life begins!
Lamentations 3:22-23 | Gain Strength Through Faith
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
The world is constantly changing and presenting us with new challenges. But what doesn’t change is God’s love for us. We can always rely on his constant and unfailing mercy.
Proverbs 16:3 | Commit to the Lord
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Our best chance of success will come when our plans are aligned with the truth. Those who align their plans with God’s will and surrender to Him often find themselves in a more favorable position for success than those who do not.
Colossians 3:17 | Serve in God’s Name
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Every action, whether big or small, gains significance when done in faith. Integrating our belief in all aspects of life turns our daily actions into a living testament to God’s goodness.
1 Peter 3:13-15 | Do Good, and Do Not Be Afraid
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Followers of Christ are not encouraged to seek suffering, but rather, to stand firm in their beliefs without fear of suffering. While suffering may occur, with God in your heart, you will prevail.
Jeremiah 29:11 | God Has Plans for You
“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 hope and a future”.
God knows the big picture for all of humanity, from the very beginning of time until the end. He has thoughts and intentions in his heart for us – for salvation, for restoration, and for us to become closer to him. With this knowledge, there is no need for fear or worry.
Deuteronomy 31:6 | He Will Not Let You Down
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
This verse is a strong reassurance of the ever-presence of God in every situation you may encounter. God knows our limits and will not give us anything we cannot handle. He is there for you always.
Romans 12:1-2 | Offer Yourself to God
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
God doesn’t ask for a literal sacrifice of life. Instead, He calls us to live for Him, dedicating our whole being — our hearts, love, talents, energy, and strength—to His service.
Philippians 4:6-8 | God’s Peace will Guard Your Heart & Mind
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
To worry less in the new year, pray more! Surrender your struggles, desires, wishes, and anxious thoughts to God and trust in Him. Negativity can be paralyzing, so activate positivity by filling your heart and mind with the words of those you admire.
Colossians 3:23-24 | Work Hard and The Lord Will Reward You
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
We may work hard for status, for money, and for security. But behind all that, never forget you are working for God. This reminder helps us to listen to what God wants of us, to align our efforts with His vision, and we will be rewarded spiritually.
Philippians 4:13 | I Can Do It With His Strength
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
No matter what your circumstances are, and no matter what hardships you face, it is possible to be content and persevere when you have faith in God.
Psalm 1:1-3 | Blessed Are Those Who Delight in the Lord
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither-
whatever they do prospers.
When you follow the words of God, you will always be rewarded. Though this refers more to spiritual success than material prosperity: only good can come through following the Lord. By watering with God’s Word, your life will bear fruit.
Proverbs 3:5-6 | Trust in The Lord
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
When you are troubled, remember to surrender to God. He is in control and will lead us in the right direction.
Psalm 100:4 | Be Grateful, Praise His Name
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
Instead of complaining and indulging in self-pity, we should praise the Lord and count the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. Gratitude is a powerful practice that buoys us and carries us through life’s challenges.
Luke 6:27-31 | Love Your Enemies
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For Christians, our first response should always be mercy. In a world rife with polarization and hatred, our role is to forgive faults and failings and to pray for our enemies instead of harboring hate.
Ephesians 5:13-14 | Wake Up and Christ Will Shine On You
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Christians do not win other people over by disparaging their sins – rather, we win them over through the light of our message. Thus, Christians dispel darkness not by denouncing the darkness but by being the light.
Ezekiel 11:19 | A New Spirit, a New Heart
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
These days, so many people have hardened their hearts against God. Their hearts have been divided by worshiping false idols; succumbing to greed, pride, individualism, and hate. When we embrace God’s Word, our heart is again filled with love, we are transformed and our spirit is renewed.
Proverbs 14:30 | Do Not Envy, Be at Peace
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Negative emotions like jealousy, angst, and bitterness act like a cancer in our bodies and make us sick. When our heart is at peace, it gives our bodies a chance to rest, heal, and fulfill God’s purposes.
John 13:34-35 | Love One Another
“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”
This verse contains one of the most important commands given to followers of Christ. It reminds us to enter the new year with your heart filled with love: not only for your family and friends, but for your enemies too. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take.
Colossians 3:9-10 | Become Better Every Day
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
In this world of Instagram and Facebook, many of us show only a side of ourselves that appears perfect. Instead, let us be honest with others about who we really are: imperfect beings who are trying to become better every day.
James 1:17 | God is a Constant in Your Life
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
This verse is a reminder that everything good in our lives comes from God. He is there for us no matter what. As we welcome the new year, it is the perfect time to be grateful for all His gifts.
Philippians 2:14-15 | Do Not Grumble or Complain
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.
What is inevitable about life, is that we will face situations that will anger, frustrate and annoy us. As followers of Christ, our call is to take it all in our stride, rise above it, be the better person, and continue to do God’s good work.
1 Peter 5:6-7 | Do not Worry, God will Lead the Way
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Humility and anxiety are just like fire and water: it is impossible for them to exist at the same time. When we humble ourselves, surrender, and ask God for help, it dissolves our anxiety.
2 Corinthians 13:11 | Rejoice and May Peace be With You
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
If we desire peace, then we must become peacemakers. If we wish to have love, then we must receive God’s love and share it with others. If you wish the world to be restored, restore yourself in God’s image. In the new year, be the change you wish to see.
More Festive Season Verses, Quotes and Wishes
Searching for the perfect words to celebrate Christmas and New Year? Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt message to share with family or cheerful wishes for a card, we’ve got you covered!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
