Make This Year Count: Plan with God at the Center

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes us want to dream a little bigger, clean the slate, and get things in order. But instead of diving into endless to-do lists or making resolutions that feel more like wishful thinking, why not start by inviting God into the process? Planning your year with God isn’t about perfection or having it all figured out—it’s about letting Him lead, trusting His timing, and aligning your steps with His.

Start with prayer. This isn’t about checking off a box or rushing through a quick “Lord, help me.” It’s about taking time to truly connect with Him. Thank Him for bringing you through the past year—the good, the hard, and everything in between. Even if the year didn’t look how you hoped, He’s been faithful. He’s been there every step of the way, whether you realized it or not.

Once you’ve spent time in prayer, ask Him what He wants for your year ahead. And don’t rush to fill the silence. This is where you need to pause and listen. God has a way of making things clear when we’re willing to quiet our hearts and pay attention. Maybe He’ll bring a Scripture to mind, or maybe a word or theme will start to settle in your spirit. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” That’s the beauty of starting with God—He often shows us things we never even thought to ask for.

When you’re ready to think about goals, don’t just dive into what seems practical or expected. Let your goals come from a place of surrender. Instead of asking, “What do I want to accomplish this year?” try asking, “Lord, what areas of my life do You want to grow and change?” Your relationship with God is always the starting point. Are there ways you can deepen your connection with Him? Maybe it’s making time to read your Bible daily, setting aside a consistent prayer time, or learning to just be still in His presence.

Psalm 1:3 paints a beautiful picture of the person who stays rooted in God’s Word: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” That kind of life doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when we intentionally build our days around Him.

Your relationship with others is another key area to consider. Are there relationships that need healing or strengthening? Are there people God is calling you to pour into this year? Sometimes that might look like reconnecting with someone you’ve lost touch with or extending forgiveness where it’s long overdue. Romans 12:18 challenges us to do our part: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Beyond your spiritual life and relationships, think about the other areas where God might want to work. Are you stewarding your health in a way that honors Him? Are you managing your time wisely, or are you constantly rushing and running on empty? Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” This isn’t about striving for perfection—it’s about doing even the small, everyday things with a heart that’s focused on Him.

As you pray and plan, write things down. There’s something powerful about putting your thoughts on paper. Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Writing not only clarifies your goals but also keeps them front and center throughout the year. Keep your list somewhere you’ll see it often, and use it as a reminder to pray over those plans.

But.... you’ve got to hold those plans loosely. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Planning with God means trusting Him to lead, even when things don’t go as you envisioned. Sometimes His direction looks nothing like what we had in mind, but His plans are always better. The detours, the unexpected changes, even the waiting—they all serve a purpose.

As the year unfolds, celebrate progress. It’s easy to focus on what hasn’t happened yet, but don’t miss the moments where God is working. Did you handle a difficult situation with more grace than before? Did you sense His peace in a moment that would’ve rattled you last year? These aren’t small things. Psalm 126:3 reminds us, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Recognize those moments and give Him the credit.

Staying connected to God daily is what makes the difference. Planning your year with Him isn’t a one-time conversation in January—it’s a daily walk. Start your mornings with prayer or Scripture, even if it’s just a few minutes before the day gets busy. Check in with Him throughout the day, asking for His wisdom in decisions and His strength when you feel overwhelmed. Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”

As you move through the year, keep trusting Him with the results. Some plans will come together beautifully; others might not look the way you hoped. That doesn’t mean you failed—it means He’s working in ways you can’t see yet. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

So this year, don’t just set goals—set your heart on Him. Ask Him to shape your plans, guide your steps, and redirect your path when necessary. Let Him lead you into a year of growth, purpose, and grace. When God’s at the center, the year ahead isn’t just another chapter in your life—it’s an opportunity to walk more closely with Him, trusting that His plans are far better than anything we could imagine. With Him leading the way, the possibilities are endless.