The first month of the New Year is almost over. What are your expectations? Whether you have New Year resolutions or not, beginning the year with some positive optimism is always good.

It is no coincidence that 2025 has been declared the jubilee year of hope. While the theological virtue of hope goes deeper than mere optimism, being hopeful is intrinsically optimistic of good things to come. To this end, I would like to share some Bible passages on new beginnings.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think of you, says the Lord: Thoughts of peace and not of affliction, so that I may give you peace and an end.” This powerful verse reassures us of God’s abiding plan of peace. Over the week, a friend shared with me how much she hates January simply because it is a new beginning and how this feeling runs through till March when the newness of the year wears out, and she begins to stabilize. Whether we feel this way or not, it is important to keep our eyes on the Lord, who has a plan of sheer goodness for us.

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise, and acknowledge him. Praise his name.” This verse reminds us of gratitude. The need to give thanks to God and to praise God in all circumstances. No matter what we feel, let us look to the New Year with joy in our hearts, renewed zeal, faith and hope for God’s plans to unfold in our lives. Let us begin with praising Him for all we have, for who He is, for what He is capable of doing and for new opportunities.

Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious about nothing. But in all things, with prayer and supplication, with acts of thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.” Simply put, this passage tells us not to panic. Yes, you may have asked over the years, but your request has not materialised. This can be very frustrating; rather than resorting to complacency or worry, let us instead turn to more prayers and thanksgivings to the one who makes all things beautiful in His own time.

James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Can we take solace in this bible passage that God is the ultimate giver of all that we seek and all that we have is nothing short of His grace and goodness?

Let us conclude by personalizing Psalm 20:4, “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”  Amen!