There’s just something about the start of the new year that fills us with the hope of good things to come. And while we often are quick to search for new tricks, ideas, or experiences to help meet our longings for change, we’re better served when we develop a habit of running first to God’s word. New beginnings, fresh starts, peace in seasons of upheaval — all are the work of the Lord.
In fact, you don’t have to search hard to find Bible verses about new beginnings because it’s not a topic where God remains silent. From Genesis to Revelation, God shows himself working patiently and perfectly to make “all things new.” And while the start of a new year can feel like a reset, there’s nothing magical about it. And those new starts — whether personally, professionally, or spiritually — can take place on January 15 or June 7 just as easily as they can on January 1.
The gift of new beginnings is a precious offering — a gift — from the Lord; we simply have to turn to him. And the best place to start is in his Word.
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When I was a little girl, my mom bought me a set of albums by Agapeland Music. There were three, and I listened to them constantly. Like most, maybe all, albums back in the day, they had an insert that included the lyrics to every song, so I could happily read and sing along. And to this day — I’m now in my 50s — I still can sing every verse to several of those songs. Perhaps much to my children’s chagrin since they grew up listening to me sing the “Patience” song (my all-time favorite) at moments when they probably didn’t care to hear it:)
One of my other Agapeland favorites, though, was “This Is the Day”:
This is the day that the Lord has made,
Not like tomorrow or yesterday.
He made today in a special way,
so let’s all sing and be glad.
Such simple, slightly cheesy, lyrics but filled with powerful truth because every day is a new day, a chance for fresh starts and new beginnings. Probably too often we push off the chance for change because we’re waiting for some artificial expectation of the “right” time to start something new.
When we think of new beginnings, many times it’s the big things that draw our attention. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, you’re not bound by past sins and failures. The struggles of the past — the trials of yesterday — have been redeemed. And it is freeing to rest in that knowledge, don’t you think?
But many times, it’s the small steps of obedience and surrender that lead us to pivotal new beginnings, and God uses those moments in equally mighty ways.
What does the Bible say about beginning again?
As Matthew 11:28 reminds us, our first step toward freedom and the promise of new beginnings is simply to “come.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Come…and I will give you rest. Our world so desperately needs that message. As believers, we need to remember it; more importantly, we need to share it.
Because it’s not come to me all who are excelling and winning at life. Not come to me but only after you’ve gotten your act together. Not come to me when you get a handle on that big sin. But rather come, ALL who are weary and burdened, because only in the saving grace of Jesus do we find rest.
God is in the business of new beginnings. When we open our Bibles, verses about new beginnings are found in abundance because from beginning to end, God fills his Word with stories of imperfect people who found fresh starts and do-overs as they trusted in him. The same is true today.
Spiritual new beginnings
God often places us in seasons of waiting — on new opportunities, new or restored relationships, healing, etc. — but never when it has to do with our salvation.
As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.”
So if you don’t know Christ as your Savior, the time is now. And if you need some help figuring out how to begin again with saving faith, then let me suggest the following:
- “What Must Someone Believe in Order to Be Saved?” by John Piper, DesiringGod.org
- “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” by Robert Velarde, Focus on the Family
- Reach out to someone you know who is a Christian for help with your questions. And if you’re not sure that person exists in your circle, then find a Bible-believing church and ask to speak to one of their pastors about salvation. Note: Not all churches are created equal. God’s Word is divinely inspired, and we don’t get to choose which parts we want to believe based on personal preferences. You either believe all of it or none of it, so make sure the church you attend (or seek out) holds firmly to preaching truth.
- Email me because I would love to pray for you.
Bible verses about new beginnings
While there is nothing wrong with looking to the new year for fresh starts and new beginnings, we don’t have to wait. But whatever it is you’re looking to start, go first to God. Although our world seems to celebrate busyness, we need to learn to be still before the Lord.
I developed the monthly Bible reading plans as a way to help people connect more intentionally with God’s Word and give structure to the spiritual disciplines of reading, studying, and meditating on verses in the Bible. For a long time, reading the Bible often was difficult for me because I simply didn’t know where to start or what to do with what I read. For too many years I overlooked the magnitude of the gift of being able to easily access the living word of God.
But I’m convinced that developing a daily commitment to sitting in God’s presence, reading and studying his word, and prayer are the catalysts to a peaceful, purpose-filled life. As you are considering “what’s next” in life, whatever that might be, let the Bible be a key element in guiding your steps.
As Billy Graham once said, “If you are ignorant of God’s word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”
While the printable linked below includes 31 Bible verses about new beginnings, below are a few favorites that you might consider committing to memory! You could pick four, choosing one per week to memorize for the month. And here are some additional resources to keep yourself organized and focused, if you need some suggestions.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 40:31
“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.”
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.'”
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Note: All verses above come from the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible.
When God gives you a new beginning
In truth, God gives us opportunities for new beginnings in moments throughout our days. Each morning we open our eyes is a gift and promise that his work in us is not complete. Because wherever you are in your journey of faith, God is at work in you. There is no sin too great, no obstacle too daunting, no decision too weighty for God. He works in the details and in ways we often can’t see or imagine.
Whatever your struggle, wherever you desperately need a new beginning or fresh start, God is there, and he’s waiting for you to come to him with whatever burden, sin, or unbelief you have.
I love the hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and ran across some background information on the hymns inspiration and origin:
“‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness'” is inspired by the simple realization that God is at work in our lives on a daily basis. [Thomas Chisholm] wrote, ‘My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.’ The hymn reminds us that God doesn’t only work in dramatic or miraculous ways, but also in simple, everyday ways. It also reminds us that Jesus has never failed us in the past, so we have no reason to doubt his faithfulness in the future.” – Greg Scheer
Indeed, his mercies are new every morning. How thankful I am for that; are you?
Just for fun, here’s a beautiful rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Carrie Underwood, featuring CeCe Winans.
Enjoy!
Whether you are preparing for the new year, a new season in life, a new challenge, or simply a new day, I hope this collection of Bible verses about new beginnings will encourage you in your journey to go first with God.
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