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Dec 18, 2023 7:58:00 AM

17 Bible Verses & Prayers for the New Year & New Beginnings

Millions of Americans commit to New Year’s resolutions each year, yet most sadly give up pretty quickly on their newfound personal promises. The goal is generally some form of transformation, whether it be a new quest for physical fitness, healthy eating or a more organized lifestyle. The best way to start a new beginning, though, and truly transform your life is by turning turn to God and the Bible.

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As we enter the new year, we can make Christian-focused New Year's resolutions that, with the use of prayer and scripture, we can make sure they stick. Need some ideas for your resolutions? We've got a full list to get you started!

What does the Bible say about new beginnings?

God’s word is filled with wonderful advice about how to change your life. In fact, the New Testament is a treasure trove when it comes to Bible verses about new beginnings, with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross saving humanity from sin — and opening the door for personal change.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) tells us that accepting Christ allows us to push away our “former way of life” and to push aside our “old self.” This includes the negative attitudes and “deceitful desires” that sometimes creep into the human conscience. Accepting Jesus and embarking on a quest to live like Him helps to transform each individual into a better person.

In the Great American Pure Flix Original Movie, "Moonrise," country singer Will Brown is having a hard time moving on from past hurts and still grieving his late wife. He continues to blame himself for what happened and has stopped singing and going to church in lieu of the past. While his children and in-laws continue to encourage him to move on, it isn't until he is able to look inside and forgive himself that he can move on while still knowing his late wife will forever hold a piece of his love. Only then is he able to find himself a new beginning and allow himself to push aside his "old self" and "former way of life."

Read Also: Granger Smith Shares Powerful Message Behind Christmas Movie: 'Jesus is Enough'

snow angels an angelic christmas

Bible Verses And Prayers About a New Beginning for the New Year

If you’re looking for personal transformation in 2024, look no further than the Bible to see what God’s word has to say.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“‘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.’”

This is one of the most powerful Bible verses about new beginnings. The realization that God has a plan for each and every one of us can help carry us into the new year. Focusing on His plan is key to helping us become the people we are meant to be.

Janie in the Great American Pure Flix Original Movie "An Unlikely Angel" is about to embark on a new adventure – becoming a mother. She is frightened at the thought of this life change and at the thought of giving up her career as a successful toy company executive. She gets some unlikely help (possibly some divine intervention) to help her with her new beginning. She learns to trust and have faith in God's plan that He is working all things for good in her life.

Read Also: 12 Christian New Year’s Resolutions For 2024

Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

As we start the new year, this Bible verse about new beginnings reminds us of the importance of giving thanks to God and of praising Christ. We can look toward the new year with joy in our hearts and excited anticipation of what’s to come. It all starts with praising Him for all we have and for who He is.

READ ALSO: Notable Christian Quotes About Starting The New Year Right

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

“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. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”

God’s love for us never fails. Even when we make mistakes, He’s still there to love us and pick us back up again. As we look toward the new year, this Bible verse about new beginnings reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice not only saves us, but holds the power to transform our hearts.

In the AFFIRM Originals Film "Moonrise," country singer Will Brown (played by Granger Smith) is unable to let go of his guilt and grief after a tragic accident that resulted in his wife's death. He blames himself for the accident, shuts out his family and stops doing the things he loved, like playing music. Will tries to find a way to forgive himself and renew his faith in God in the process. Watch the beautiful Great American Pure Flix Exclusive movie about new beginnings, "Moonrise," now streaming.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

“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.”

As we mentioned earlier, this Bible verse about new beginnings is quite powerful. We are “made new” in Christ. Even if you’ve fallen into negative patterns in 2023, the new year is the time for new beginnings and new resolutions. Rather than obsessing over trivial resolutions that may fade as life gets busy again, make a concerted effort to follow Jesus more closely each and every day. This is the best way to move forward with hope and on the best path forward.

In "Nothing Is Impossible," Scott Beck has fallen into a routine that doesn't set him up for success – spiritually, mentally or physically. We see this in his food choices, his bleak conversations with his friend and his lackluster attitude toward his life. It's only when he consciously starts considering how to change his habits and "put on the new self" and have faith in God, as our Bible verse about new beginnings says, that he begins to see a change in himself.

READ ALSO: BOOK OF JOB: VITAL LESSONS FROM 'NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE'

man and woman meet in doorway banking on love

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

When it comes to Bible verses about a new beginning, Philippians 4:6 is an essential scripture. It reminds us to turn to prayer and thanksgiving rather than worry and panic. This is wonderful advice when it comes to forging a new beginning. Make a commitment to turn to prayer in every situation as you head into the new year.

The transformative power of prayer is on display in the Great American Pure Flix exclusive movie, "Miracle at Manchester." As Bryce faces an aggressive brain tumor diagnosis, he and his entire community turn to prayer to ask God to watch over Bryce, protect him and find him a cure. Bryce, his family and his entire community knew that a new beginning would come from prayer - they had faith that God would bring him a resolution.

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As we head into the new year, let’s remember Jesus’ commands: love God and love others. No matter what happened with friends and family in 2023, look forward to new beginnings in 2024. Make a concerted effort to love others, regardless of how much you “like” them. Try to see others through God’s lens.

In the AFFIRM Originals Film "Legacy Peak," all Jason (played by Lucas Black) wants is the approval and acceptance of his fiance's kids, Sam and Ben. When they embark on big adventure that turns into a trip of survival, Jason praises both kids for the unique talents and skills they bring to the table to help them get back to safety. Jason is able to see both kids through the eyes of God – but can Sam and Ben do the same for Jason in return? Watch the Great American Pure Flix Exclusive "Legacy Peak" now streaming to find out!

READ ALSO: 10 POWERFUL LESSONS ABOUT LOVE FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 13

Colossians 3:9-11 (NIV)

“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. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”

In addition to loving others, let’s be sure we also live in truth. Don’t lie to others, and don’t let yourself fall into old and negative patterns in 2024. Seek God and follow Christ as you navigate your new beginning. Regularly pause to pray and reassess to be sure you’re on the right path.

In "Birthright Outlaw," Martha Rose knew she wanted a new beginning for her and her baby as soon as she found out she was pregnant. Leaving her old life as an outlaw, she met Jeremiah who showed her how God's transformative love created a "new self ... in the image of its Creator" for her. This new beginning is threatened when her father's band of outlaws kidnap her daughter ... will Martha Rose and Jeremiah be able to get Hope back and continue to trust and have faith in one another? Find out by streaming the Great American Pure Flix exclusive movie, "Birthright Outlaw" today.

Read Also: Lucas Black Shares 3 Lessons You Can Learn from 'Birthright Outlaw'

James 1:17 (NIV)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Life often changes; chaos sometimes rages. But with God we have consistency. The Lord never changes — something to keep in mind as you seek a new beginning. This Bible verse for the new year tells us that God is good and that He has a plan for our lives. Let’s remember that as we seek to move forward in a positive light in the new year. Seek permanence only in the Lord.

woman and child cutting hair in barn moonrise

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 

Among Bible verses about a new beginning, 1 Peter 5:7 is yet another reminder for us not to allow anxiety to overtake us. God cares for us, loves us and wants us to rely on Him as we navigate life’s struggles. Remember this reality as we head into the new year.

In "Sun Moon," Kelsey is having a hard time grasping the reason why her fiance left her and what direction her life is supposed to go, now that her future is no longer clear. As she takes a teaching job in Taiwan, her students help her realize that having faith in God doesn't always mean that bad things won't happen, but believing that He is still there in the grief and the pain. It turns out her new beginning in Taiwan is exactly what she needed to get back on track with her relationship with God.

Read Also: The Transformation of This 'Sun Moon' Character Will Inspire You to Trust God

Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

The first step to a new beginning with Christ is focusing on His wants and plans for your life. Once you align your path with His, the sky is the limit. Seek God as you make plans in the new year and look to Him as you craft any and all new beginnings. Jesus loves us and wants the best for us — something that is essential to remember during times of struggle and success, alike.

In "Moonrise," Will's family only hopes that he'll be able to heal from the loss of his late wife and be able to get back to the wonderful father and successful country music singer he once used to be. They pray that Will can come back to his faith and see that God is there even in his struggle and grief. Will has to make amends with himself before allowing himself to move on. He does so by opening his heart to hearing what God wants from him.

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

“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.”

This Bible verse about new beginnings tells us of the importance of operating in Jesus’ name in all we do in our lives. “Keeping Christ at the center helps everything else come together.” That’s a statement worth keeping in mind as we head into 2024. Operating based on biblical principles and with the Lord in mind helps us exist with a gracious and contented heart.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

“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.”

It’s so easy to get bogged down in chaos, past hurts and bad decisions, but it is never too late to embrace a new self and push away the old self. Rather than dwelling on the past, solidify a new beginning by turning to scripture and prayer. Map out goals and pray that God guides you where He wants you in the new year.

Both in "Moonrise" and "Nothing is Impossible," Will and Scott respectively get bogged down in their past – by decisions they've made, paths they've chosen and events that occurred in their lives. Both are only able to heal and have hope when they pray and learn to rely on God, having faith and trust in Him to guide them in a new direction.

basketball team praying nothing is impossible

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

You are a new creation in Jesus, with your old self being replaced with a new self — one that is forgiven and, by embracing Christ’s sacrifice, can live a totally fulfilled life in line with the Almighty. Pray for guidance in the new year, as you seek God to help you find success.

In "Birthright Outlaw," Martha Rose has replaced her identity as an outlaw with a new identity as being a faithful and respectable preacher's wife. Martha explains how her husband, Jeremiah, himself was able to show her that Christ is the One who renewed her soul and through His grace and mercy, showed her the way into a new life. Because of God's love, she became a new person. We, too, can find a new identity in Christ when we embrace His love and mercy for us.

Proverbs 23:18 (NIV)

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Don’t be fearful of the future. This Bible verse about new beginnings reminds us that there is hope for us — hope that can be found in the Lord. The Bible makes this clear throughout, but Proverbs 23:18 is one of the clear places where we are told that placing our future in God’s hands is the best path forward.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

“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.”

Perhaps you’re feeling weak and tired as 2023 comes to a close. Maybe you’ve struggled and are in need of strength and sustenance. Have no fear. Place your hope in God and pray for His supernatural strength to fill your heart and comfort you. You can find renewed strength and a new beginning in Him.

READ ALSO: BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS EVERY DAY WITH THESE BIBLE VERSES

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

No matter what happens, always place God’s standards above anyone else’s. Bible verses about a new beginning tell us that we should never be afraid and that God will be with us no matter what. Keep that in mind, and don’t fear culture and people over the Lord. Put Jesus first in the new year.

Psalm 40:3 (NIV)

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

When we embrace our identity as children of God, and promise to follow Him, we are made anew. The new year is a great time to start a new practice of praising God daily and renewing our trust in Him every morning.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 (NIV)

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

This Bible verse about a new beginning reminds us to remain fixed on Jesus and all He did for us during His time on earth. As we enter 2024, it's important to put Jesus at the center of our lives so we can fulfill His purpose for us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

"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."

This critical Bible verse is especially comforting when we are facing the unknown. Every day, we face uncertainty and this verse implores us to turn to God and trust His plan for our lives.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

As imperfect humans, it's inevitable that we will face temptation and sin. It is in these times we must profess our weakness and turn to God for strength.

Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

As we enter the new year, we have to leave the past behind. There is no doubt that 2023 was a difficult and trying year for many of us, but as we walk into 2024, we can find peace in knowing that God has a plan for our lives.

Deuteronomy 23:5 (NIV)

"However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you."

If you remember nothing else for this list of Bible verses about new beginnings, let it be this: God loves you.

As you pursue a new beginning in 2024, remember to place your full confidence, reliance and trust in Christ. He has the power to transform you totally. And if you're looking to fill your home and mind with positive, faith-based content, consider a free trial of Great American Pure Flix today. There are thousands of inspiring and family-friendly content available to stream to help you on your new path today.

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Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell has been working in journalism and media for more than a decade. His writings have appeared in Deseret News, TheBlaze, Human Events, Mediaite and on FoxNews.com, among other outlets. Hallowell has a B.A. in journalism and broadcasting from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York and an M.S. in social research from Hunter College in Manhattan, New York.

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