Out With the Old, in With the New
Author: Angela Patrie
Published: December 30, 2025
Edited: January 1, 2026
Every year, some of us strive to make—and keep—new year’s resolutions. We have the right intentions, but how many times do we start strong, then fail to keep them? That’s if we even try at all.
“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41b)
I admit to having fallen short many times in the past. My new mindset is to commit to making improvements throughout the year and consistently put them into practice.
I came up with a simple guide of ten areas we can all improve upon. This is just a short list. You may have your own ideas on what you need to work on. Start small. Choose one or two that you are confident you can achieve, and begin putting them into practice right away. When you have mastered them and made them a daily habit, move on to another one. Remember, living for Jesus means shining for Him by reflecting His light every single day, so much so that people will take notice that we are “different”, or “set apart”.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9)
Confession and Forgiveness
1. Confess every sin to God immediately and with a contrite heart, asking for His mercy. Thank Him for His enduring, unwavering mercy and grace. (Read What the Bible Says About True Repentance.)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
2. When you have wronged someone, tell them, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” without delay. The sooner you offer an apology after the altercation, the better. Be genuine. Say it from the heart, and really mean it. This takes humility.
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
3. Forgive those who have wronged you, quickly and without holding grudges, knowing that God has forgiven every one of us for ALL our sins—past, present, and future. It helps to remember that every single time we sin—which is anything we say, do, or think that displeases or offends God—keep in mind that Jesus came down from His heavenly throne and went to the cross, enduring the unfathomable pain and shame, dying in our place, willingly, for that very sin we just committed…and it grieves the Holy Spirit! (That’s a very sobering reality that should make us firmly resolve to turn away from sin and draw closer to Christ. ✝️🙏🏻❤️)
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Worship
4. Complain less, give thanks to God more.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
5. Be in constant prayer throughout the day—morning, noon, and night.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:” (1 Peter 3:12a)
6. Worship and praise God in prayer, song, and thanksgiving. Even sharing your testimony with others is a form of worship…tell others how Jesus has transformed your life.
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” (John 4:23)
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2)
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Daily Bible Reading
7. Spend time in God’s Word every day, even if it is just one chapter a day. Make it a daily commitment. Set aside undisturbed time where there will be no distractions. There are many good Bible reading plans out there. The app I use is Life Bible by Tecarta (KJV only – see Why the King James Bible). Devotionals are also good to read for inspiration and guidance.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Love, Kindness, and Helpfulness
8. Tell your family and those closest to you more often that you love them. Carve out time as often as possible to spend together doing something meaningful.
9. Greet strangers with a warm smile and “Good [morning/afternoon/evening],” “Hello,” or “Have a nice day.” If given the opportunity, hold the door open for them when entering/exiting a building.
10. Offer to help carry someone’s groceries and/or put them in their car.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
In Conclusion
Let’s start the new year off right and strive to put everything on this list into practice—throughout the year, every year—glorifying God every chance we get!
Here are 20 Powerful Prayers for New Year Blessings, Strength, and Fresh Beginnings
WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GOD BLESS YOU!
