As the New Year approaches, we often feel inspired to set new goals and embrace new beginnings. But what if, this year, we focused on creating goals that aren’t just about success or productivity? Imagine what could happen if you focused on setting goals that draw you closer to God and align with His purpose for your life. Let’s take a new approach this new year and make faith-centered goals that transform our lives spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
In this post, we’ll explore practical steps to create faith-centered goals, address common challenges, and share ways to track progress. May this New Year be one where you feel deeply rooted in faith and guided by God in every step.
What Are Faith-Centered Goals and Why Do They Matter?
Faith-centered goals are goals, or objects of your ambition and effort, that are rooted in God’s Word and aligned with His purpose for our lives. Unlike traditional goals, which are often centered on your own personal ambitions, faith-centered goals shift the focus to spiritual growth, relationship with God, and living out the purposes for which you’ve been created for.
Why Faith-Centered Goals Bring Fulfillment
Setting faith-centered goals allows you to focus on the kind of growth that has eternal value. It helps release the pressure to meet worldly definitions of success and instead leads to a life of peace, purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Scriptures for Perspective:
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
- Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 – “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
- Habakkuk 2:3 -“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”
Steps to Setting Faith-Centered Goals for the New Year
Ready to start setting goals that honor God? Here’s a simple framework you can follow.
1. Start with Prayer and Reflection
Start your goal-setting process by bringing it before God. Prayer and quiet reflection will help open your heart to His guidance and direction. The more you spend in scripture and sit with God undistracted, the better you’ll be able to hear his voice with clarity.
Scriptures for Reflection:
- Psalm 37:4-5 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
- Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Prayer: Father, thank you for blessing my life in all the ways you have. I long to live a life that is honoring and glorifying to you. Search my heart and plant in me the desires you have for my life. Open my heart, mind and ears to receive your guidance and purpose for my life with clarity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read More: 10 Scriptures To Find God’s Purpose For Your Life
2. Identify Areas for Spiritual Growth
Consider different areas in your life where you want to grow spiritually. Look at your faith, family, health, and relationships, and ask God to reveal where He’d like you to focus. Also consider the areas of your life that your haven’t fully surrendered to Jesus.
Scripture Inspiration:
- 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Examples of Spiritual Goals:
- Developing a habit and attitude of gratitude. How to execute this goal: Start with writing in a gratitude journal daily for 5 minutes daily, or by listing your top 3 every night.
- Grow your relationship with the Lord. How to execute this goal: Commit to read the Bible or a devotional each morning for 5-10 minutes a day. Commit to talking to the Lord or sitting in prayer for 5 minutes during your lunch break, or when your kids nap.
- Give back to your local community. How to execute this goal: Set aside a set amount of time every two weeks, or once a month, to serve others in your church or community. Write down 7-12 places you’d like to volunteer at, or 10-12 things you’d like to do to give back.
3. Create Goals Aligned with God’s Will
Ask yourself: “Is this goal in line with God’s purpose for me?” Balancing personal desires with God’s will will help you plan out each goal to best reflect His heart and plan for your life.
Scripture for Direction:
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “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.”
Prayer: Father you are so so good to me. Your plans and vision for my life are far better than anything I could come up with on my own. I pray for direction and guidance through the Holy Spirit to decide on what goals to pursue and plan for in this next year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. Set SMART Goals with a Faith-Based Mindset
Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals can make your faith-centered goals more actionable. Make your SMART goals work for you with a faith-based mindset, by regularly praying over your goals and seeking God’s direction.
Example of a Faith-Centered SMART Goal:
- “Starting Monday, December 2, I will read a book in the Bible based on my reading plan for 15 minutes each morning, beginning at 6:15AM, to start my day with God’s Word.”
Execute this plan: Take out a pen and paper, set a timer for 15-25 minutes and set some worship music to play in the background. Let the Lord lead you as you spend this time writing out an outline of goals you have a desire to achieve. Complete this exercise at least once a week for four weeks until you feel you’ve listed them all out and refined them to be SMART goals.
5. Find Accountability and Support
Share your goals with a trusted friend, spouse, or accountability partner. Building or joining a community of believers can help you stay focused and encouraged.
Scripture for Encouragement:
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Execute this goal: Meet in person or set up a group call with your accountability partner(s). This can be a time to create vision boards together, or talk about your goals and plans to achieve them. It’s important that you set up a time each month to check in with each other and the progress you’re making on your goals.
Common Challenges in Setting Faith-Centered Goals
Overcoming Distraction and Self-Doubt
When doubt creeps in, remember that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Stay grounded in His promises, and rely on scripture to counter self-doubt and discouragement.
Scriptures for Strength:
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
- Hebrews 13:5 – “…be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
- James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”
Balancing Your Faith & Goals with Daily Responsibilities
It can be challenging to keep faith at the forefront while juggling daily tasks. Remind yourself that even small acts can honor God and reflect your faith.
When You Struggle to See Results
When goals feel unachievable, trust God’s timing and keep faith that His plans will come to pass. His timing is always perfect.
Scripture on Trusting God’s Timing:
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Faith-Centered Goal Examples for Different Areas of Life
To help get you started, here are some ideas for setting faith-centered goals in different areas:
Spiritual Goals
- Spend 15 minutes each morning in Bible reading.
- Memorize a new scripture each week.
- Attend a Bible study group at least once a month.
Family and Relationship Goals
- Set aside intentional time each week for prayer with your husband.
- Pray daily for each of your children in specific areas.
- Practice increased patience and grace in healthy communication.
Health and Self-Care Goals
- Honor God with a healthier lifestyle by exercising 3 times a week and eating more whole foods.
- Set aside Saturday of each week to rest and observe the Sabbath.
- Keep a daily gratitude journal to focus on God’s blessings.
Financial Goals
- Tithe 10% every month at church.
- Volunteer in my local community ( e.g. food pantry, fundraiser, food drive, etc.).
- Donate to one charity I support every month.
- Create a budget plan to save, invest and spend wisely.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Growth
1. Reflect Monthly or Quarterly
Set aside time to reflect on your progress every week and month. Use a journal or digital tool to track what God is teaching you, and assess where you need to make adjustments.
2. Use Journaling as a Tool for Growth
Writing down your thoughts, prayers, and answered prayers is a powerful way to see how God is working in your life. Have a specific journal only for this purpose.
3. Celebrate Milestones with Gratitude
Each step of progress is worth celebrating. Whether it’s with a prayer of gratitude or a family gathering, mark your accomplishments with a thankful heart.
Final Thoughts: A New Year Rooted in Faith
As you step into the New Year, remember that God is with you in your journey. Faith-centered goals aren’t just about accomplishing tasks—they’re about deepening your relationship with Him. Embrace each step, trust God’s timing, and celebrate His work in your life. If you’re needing to dig deeper and do some heart work, I highly suggest this free 30-Day Devotional. Here’s to a year where faith guides each goal and God’s grace fills every step.
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