How to Keep Your Spiritual Resolutions This Year

The beginning of a new year often feels like a fresh start. It’s a time to set goals, refocus priorities, and dream about the person you want to become. For many, this includes spiritual resolutions—practices or habits that bring us closer to God, deepen our faith, and align our lives with His purpose.

But let’s be honest: resolutions are easy to make and hard to keep. By February, the excitement fades, and the busyness of life creeps back in.

So how can you keep your spiritual resolutions this year and experience meaningful growth in your walk with God? Here are some practical and faith-filled steps to help you stay on track.

1. Start with Prayer

Every good spiritual resolution begins with prayer. Before setting your goals, take time to seek God’s guidance. Ask Him what areas of your spiritual life need attention and what practices will help you grow closer to Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “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.”

Allow God to shape your resolutions, aligning them with His will for your life.

2. Be Specific and Realistic

One of the biggest mistakes in goal-setting is being too vague or overly ambitious. Instead of saying, “I’ll pray more this year,” set a specific goal like, “I will spend 10 minutes in prayer each morning.”

Choose resolutions that are achievable and fit into your current season of life. If you’re a busy parent, committing to a 5-minute devotional each day might be more realistic than trying to read the entire Bible in three months.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get discouraged when you miss a day or fall short of your goals. Remember, spiritual growth is a journey, not a race. God isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for a heart that seeks Him.

Philippians 1:6 encourages us, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Celebrate small victories and trust that God is working in you, even when your progress feels slow.

4. Create a Plan

Resolutions without a plan are just wishful thinking. Break your spiritual goals into actionable steps and incorporate them into your daily routine. For example:

• Set a specific time and place for prayer or Bible study.

• Use a devotional guide or Bible reading plan to stay organized.

• Set reminders on your phone to help you stay consistent.

Having a clear plan makes it easier to follow through and creates a sense of accountability.

5. Incorporate Accountability

Speaking of accountability, sharing your resolutions with someone you trust can make a big difference. Find a friend, mentor, or small group to share your spiritual goals with and check in regularly for encouragement and support.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Having someone to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey can keep you motivated and inspired.

6. Use Spiritual Tools

Leverage tools and resources to help you stay on track. Here are a few ideas:

• Prayer Apps: Apps like PrayerMate or Echo can help you organize your prayer list and remind you to pray.

• Bible Plans: Platforms like YouVersion offer hundreds of Bible reading plans tailored to your interests and goals.

• Devotional Books: A good devotional can provide structure and inspiration for your daily quiet time.

• Journaling: Writing down your prayers, reflections, and progress can deepen your spiritual practice and give you a record of God’s faithfulness.

  
  

7. Be Flexible

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes your resolutions may need to adapt. If your initial plan isn’t working, don’t give up—adjust it. For example, if daily Bible study feels overwhelming, try listening to a Scripture-based podcast during your commute or doing a short study three times a week instead.

Flexibility ensures that your resolutions remain sustainable and relevant to your current circumstances.

8. Pray for Strength and Perseverance

Keeping spiritual resolutions requires discipline, but it also requires God’s strength. Ask Him daily for the perseverance to stay committed to your goals and the grace to pick yourself up when you stumble.

Isaiah 40:31 promises, “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.” Lean on His power to sustain you.

9. Reflect and Adjust

Set aside time periodically to reflect on your progress. Are your resolutions helping you grow closer to God? Do you need to make any changes to your goals or approach?

Reflection keeps you mindful of your spiritual journey and ensures that your resolutions remain meaningful and effective.

10. Remember the Bigger Picture

The ultimate goal of spiritual resolutions is not to check items off a list but to draw closer to God and align your life with His purpose. Keep your focus on Him, and let your resolutions be an expression of your desire to grow in faith, love, and obedience.

Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “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.”

A Year of Spiritual Growth

This year, commit to pursuing your spiritual resolutions with intention, grace, and faith. Whether your goal is to pray more, study Scripture, serve others, or simply seek God’s presence daily, know that every step you take is significant. God honors your desire to grow, and He will walk with you every step of the way.