Faith Over Fear This New Year

Usually, people get excited when a new year rolls around. It feels like a clean slate—a fresh start. Out with the old, in with the new.

But for many people, this new year doesn’t feel hopeful at all. Instead, it feels like 365 new days of uncertainty.

So how do you face a new year when you don’t know what’s coming?

Here are three intentional choices that can help you face a new year—no matter what happens.

1. I Set Up a Plan

Yes, I know—plans can change in an instant. But, God still calls us to plan.

Planning isn’t a lack of faith—it’s an act of stewardship. God wants us to be intentional with the time He’s given us. And when plans change (because they will), He invites us to trust Him and remain flexible.

If we don’t plan, time will still pass. And one day, we’ll look back wishing we had been more intentional with the life God entrusted to us.

So, ask yourself:

What do I want to be better at this year than last year?

Do I want to grow closer to God?

Do I want to invest more time in my family?

Do I want to live with greater purpose?

Then don’t just wish for it—set up a plan.

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” - Proverbs 16:9

When we plan without God, that’s presumption.

When we plan prayerfully and invite God to guide us, that’s wisdom.

2. I Stay in the Word

Staying in God’s Word is completely within your control—no matter what this year brings.

Coming to church once a week isn’t enough. That’s like eating one meal a week. Imagine fasting for six days and then overeating on the seventh—you’d end up sick, not strong.

Spiritual health works the same way. We need to feed on God’s Word daily, not just feast on Sundays. If you want peace while facing an uncertain future, stay close to the One who already knows it.

3. I Step Out in Faith

I love the phrase “step out” because faith is not passive—it’s active.

Faith isn’t just believing something in your head; it’s trusting God enough to move your feet.

You can believe a plane is safe, but you don’t truly trust it until you get on board. You can believe a chair will hold you, but faith happens when you sit down.

Stepping out in faith is something you can choose—regardless of circumstances.

It’s more than believing in Jesus. Even the enemy believes in Him. Faith means committing to Him—allowing God to lead, to call the shots, to be the CEO of your life.

Three times in Joshua 1, God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Joshua needed courage because the future ahead of him was unknown.

And courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. Courage means moving forward in spite of it.

You can’t control the future. None of us can.

But the good news is this: God is in control.

And when we stay aware of Him—when we plan prayerfully, stay rooted in His Word, and step out in faith—you can have peace as you step into a new year.