The Revitalization We ALL Need
As one year ends and another begins, most of us naturally pause. We look back on the year we’ve just lived—what went well, what was hard, what we wish had gone differently—and we begin thinking about what’s ahead.
This is a healthy moment. It’s a time for reflection, humility, grace, and even some dreaming. When done well, learning from the past doesn’t trap us there—it helps prepare us for the future.
As we step into a new year, Scripture offers a wise, balanced way to plan, renew, and move forward with God.
God Commends Wise Planning
Planning itself is not only permitted in Scripture—it’s often encouraged.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
(Proverbs 16:3)
Notice that planning is assumed. The issue isn’t whether we plan, but how we plan—and with whom.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…”
(Proverbs 21:5)
Diligence includes thoughtfulness and preparation. Jesus affirms this when He speaks of counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28), and Proverbs highlights the wisdom of the ant, who prepares in advance (Proverbs 6:6–8).
In other words, biblical planning is stewardship—not self-reliance.
God Warns Against Presumptuous Planning
At the same time, Scripture is clear that there is a difference between wise planning and planning that assumes control.
“You who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town…’ … Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills…’”
(James 4:13–15)
The problem isn’t planning. The problem is planning without God.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9)
Scripture keeps reminding us that posture matters more than precision. We are invited to plan—but never to presume.
God Invites Us to Seek Him as We Look Ahead
When God’s people face the future, He consistently calls them to seek Him first.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5–6)
“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.”
(Psalm 37:23)
Even familiar promises like Jeremiah 29:11 remind us that God’s plans flow from His faithfulness, not our ability to manage outcomes.
Holding the Tension of the New Year
Scripture holds two truths together that we often want to separate:
Plan wisely
Hold plans loosely
We plan as an act of faith—not control.
We look ahead to align our lives—not to secure outcomes.
A Better Way to Enter the New Year
The Bible doesn’t tell us not to plan—it tells us not to plan without God.
A new year isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about positioning our hearts before the One who already holds it.
That’s why the words of Lamentations feel especially fitting as a year turns:
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV)
God’s mercy doesn’t reset annually. It renews every single day.
The Revitalization We Truly Need
As pastors, leaders, and followers of Jesus, the invitation of the new year isn’t simply New Year, New You. It’s renewed hearts, fresh dependence, and a deeper awareness of our need for God.
We need Him.
We can’t do this in our own strength.
Not in our personal lives.
Not in our churches.
True revitalization always begins on the inside.
A Simple, Practical Next Step
At the BCNE, we desire to partner with you, equip you, and encourage you in the work God has called you to. With that in mind, we’ve created a 21-Day Prayer and Renewal Guide, available to you free of charge.
This guide is meant to be flexible and straightforward. You might use it:
Personally, as you begin the year in prayer
With your leadership team
As a church-wide prayer focus in January
Or as a shared starting point for a season of renewal
However you choose to use it, our prayer is that it helps you—and your church—begin the year grounded in dependence on the Lord.
Because real revitalization doesn’t start with better strategies or stronger plans.
It starts with prayer.