27 Dec 25 Bible Verses for New Year’s Resolutions (2026 Guide)
As we step into 2026, many of us feel the familiar pull to make resolutions—promises to ourselves about who we want to become and what we want to accomplish. But how many of those resolutions actually last beyond January? Statistics show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February.
The difference between resolutions that fade and commitments that transform us often comes down to one thing: whose strength we’re relying on. When we ground our goals in God’s Word rather than our own willpower, we tap into a source of wisdom, motivation, and power that never runs dry.
This collection of 25 Bible verses for New Year’s resolutions will help you build goals that honor God, transform your character, and create lasting change in 2026. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, better relationships, financial wisdom, or a clearer sense of purpose, these Scriptures provide the foundation for resolutions that actually stick.
Looking for more biblical guidance to start your year? Read our companion article on Bible Verses for New Year 2026 Reflections for additional inspiration.
Why Ground New Year’s Resolutions in Scripture?
Before we dive into the verses, it’s worth asking: why should we base our New Year’s resolutions on Bible verses at all?
The answer is simple but profound. Human resolutions rely on human strength, which is limited and inconsistent. But when we anchor our goals in God’s Word, we access:
- Divine wisdom that sees what we cannot see
- Supernatural strength when our own runs out
- Clear direction in a confusing world
- Accountability to Someone greater than ourselves
- Grace for when we inevitably stumble
The Bible doesn’t just give us nice sayings to motivate us. It reveals God’s character, His plans, and His power to transform us from the inside out. That’s the kind of foundation that produces resolutions that last not just through January, but for a lifetime.
Bible Verses for Spiritual Growth Resolutions
The most important resolutions we can make are those that draw us closer to God. These Bible verses for the new year focus on deepening your relationship with Christ in 2026.
1. Jeremiah 29:11 – Trusting God’s Plan
“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.”
Resolution Application: Instead of anxiously striving to control every outcome, resolve to trust that God already has good plans for your year. This verse reminds us that our Father sees the whole picture when we can only see today.
2. Matthew 6:33 – Seeking First Things First
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Resolution Application: Make this your foundational resolution for 2026: put God first in every area of life. When we prioritize His kingdom, everything else falls into proper place.
3. Psalm 119:105 – Daily Bible Reading
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Resolution Application: Commit to consistent time in God’s Word. Whether it’s five minutes or fifty, regular Bible reading illuminates your path forward and keeps you from stumbling in darkness.
4. Philippians 4:6-7 – A Prayer Life Resolution
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Resolution Application: Replace worry with prayer in 2026. Every time anxiety creeps in, turn it into a conversation with God.
5. James 4:8 – Drawing Near to God
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Resolution Application: This is both a promise and an invitation. As you intentionally draw close to God through worship, prayer, and obedience, you’ll experience His presence in powerful ways.
Bible Verses for Personal Transformation
The new year is an opportunity to become more like Christ. These Bible verses guide resolutions focused on character development and breaking free from old patterns.
6. Romans 12:2 – Renewing Your Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Resolution Application: Resolve to fill your mind with truth rather than the world’s empty messages. This might mean changing what you watch, read, or listen to.
7. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Embracing Your New Identity
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Resolution Application: Stop living in defeat over past failures. In Christ, you’re already a new creation. Your 2026 resolutions should flow from who God says you already are, not who you’re trying to become through willpower.
8. Philippians 3:13-14 – Letting Go and Moving Forward
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Resolution Application: Make 2026 the year you stop dwelling on past mistakes and disappointments. God has something ahead that requires your full attention.
9. Galatians 5:22-23 – Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Resolution Application: Instead of vague resolutions like “be a better person,” choose one fruit of the Spirit to intentionally cultivate. Ask the Holy Spirit to grow patience, kindness, or self-control in you.
10. Colossians 3:12-14 – Putting On Compassion
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Resolution Application: Resolve to practice radical forgiveness in 2026—forgiving others as quickly and completely as Christ forgave you.
Bible Verses for Strength and Perseverance
New Year’s resolutions often fail because we run out of strength. These verses remind us where true power comes from.
11. Philippians 4:13 – Christ’s Strength in You
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Resolution Application: When temptation hits or motivation fades, remember this isn’t about your strength. Christ in you is more than enough for whatever 2026 brings.
12. Isaiah 40:31 – Renewed Strength for the Weary
“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.”
Resolution Application: Build rhythms of rest and renewal into your year. True strength comes from waiting on the Lord, not constant striving.
13. Joshua 1:9 – Courage for New Challenges
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Resolution Application: Maybe 2026 is calling you to step out in faith—a new ministry, career change, or difficult conversation. God commands courage because He promises His presence.
14. 2 Timothy 1:7 – A Spirit of Power
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Resolution Application: Stop making excuses about lacking self-discipline. As a believer, you already have the Spirit of self-discipline living in you. Your resolution is simply to cooperate with what God has already given.
15. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running with Endurance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Resolution Application: Identify what’s hindering your spiritual race—habits, relationships, commitments—and resolve to let them go. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not on how far you have to run.
Bible Verses for Relationship Resolutions
Many of our deepest regrets come from broken or neglected relationships. These Bible verses guide resolutions that honor God through how we love others.
16. Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness and Forgiveness
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Resolution Application: Make a list of people you need to forgive or reconcile with. Resolve to reach out to one person each month in 2026.
17. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love That Lasts
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Resolution Application: Choose one characteristic of love from this passage and intentionally practice it in your closest relationships throughout 2026.
18. Proverbs 17:17 – Being a True Friend
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Resolution Application: Resolve to be the kind of friend who shows up, especially when it’s inconvenient. Real friendship is proven in hard times, not just happy ones.
19. Hebrews 10:24-25 – Community Commitment
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Resolution Application: If you’ve been spiritually isolated, resolve to commit to a local church community in 2026. We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.
20. Colossians 3:23-24 – Excellence in Work
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Resolution Application: Transform how you approach your work, whether at home, in an office, or in ministry. When you work as unto the Lord, even mundane tasks take on eternal significance.
Bible Verses for Purpose and Calling
Perhaps the most important resolutions we can make are those that align us with God’s purposes. These verses help you discover and pursue your calling.
21. Proverbs 16:3 – Committing Your Plans to God
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Resolution Application: Before making any major decision in 2026, bring it to God in prayer first. Let Him establish your plans rather than asking Him to bless plans you’ve already made.
22. Ephesians 2:10 – Living Your Created Purpose
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Resolution Application: God didn’t just save you from sin; He saved you for a purpose. Resolve to discover and walk in the good works He prepared specifically for you.
For more insight on discovering God’s global purposes, explore what it means to be part of God’s story reaching the nations.
23. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Resolution Application: Make 2026 the year you actively participate in the Great Commission—whether that’s sharing your faith with a neighbor, serving in your local church, or supporting missionaries who are reaching unreached people groups.
24. Micah 6:8 – What God Requires
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Resolution Application: Simplify your resolution list to these three essentials: pursue justice, show mercy, walk humbly. When these become your focus, everything else falls into place.
25. Revelation 3:20 – Opening the Door to Jesus
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Resolution Application: If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, make 2026 the year you open the door. And if you’re already a believer, invite Jesus into areas of your life where you’ve kept Him at arm’s length.
The Storyline Study
How to Keep Your Bible-Based Resolutions in 2026
Having great intentions isn’t enough. Here’s how to make these Bible verses for New Year’s resolutions actually transform your life:
Write Them Down and Display Them
If you want a nice journal for notes, check out the Storyline Journal.
Choose 3-5 verses from this list that resonate most with your specific goals. Write them on index cards, set them as phone backgrounds, or post them where you’ll see them daily. Regular exposure to God’s Word renews your mind and strengthens your resolve.
Pray Your Resolutions
Turn each resolution into a prayer. Instead of “I will read my Bible every day,” pray “God, give me hunger for Your Word and discipline to meet with You daily.” Prayer acknowledges that transformation is God’s work in you, not your work for God.
Find an Accountability Partner
Share your Bible-based resolutions with a trusted friend who will check in with you regularly. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us that we need each other to stay on track spiritually.
Expect Grace When You Fail
You will stumble. You will have days when you forget your resolutions entirely. That’s where the gospel shines brightest—God’s grace is sufficient even for your failed resolutions. When you mess up, confess it, receive forgiveness, and start fresh. God’s mercies are new every morning.
Celebrate Small Wins
Transformation happens in small, often invisible increments. Celebrate when you choose prayer over worry, when you extend forgiveness, when you open your Bible even on days you don’t feel like it. These small acts of faithfulness compound into lasting change.
Make 2026 Your Most Purpose-Filled Year Yet
As you head into 2026 with these 25 Bible verses for New Year’s resolutions, remember this: God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for willing hearts.
The resolutions that stick aren’t the ones backed by the strongest willpower. They’re the ones rooted in God’s promises, empowered by His Spirit, and anchored in His grace.
This new year, instead of making promises to yourself about who you’ll become, accept the invitation to become who God has already declared you to be in Christ. That’s a resolution that will carry you not just through 2026, but into eternity.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If these Bible verses have stirred something in your heart about God’s bigger purposes for your life, we’d love to help you discover your unique role in His global mission. At Storyline Missions, we’ve trained over 20,000 people in 75+ countries to understand how their story fits into God’s story of reaching every nation.
If you would like a Bible reading plan for 2026, the Storyline One year reading plan is something you should look into.
Explore God’s Mission for Your Life. Find out what it means to be a World Christian.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Year’s Resolutions and the Bible
Does the Bible talk about New Year’s resolutions?
While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention New Year’s resolutions, it frequently speaks about spiritual renewal, transformation, setting goals, and making commitments. Passages like Romans 12:2 (renewing your mind) and Philippians 3:13-14 (pressing forward) provide biblical precedent for the practice of intentionally pursuing growth and change.
How do I choose which Bible verses to focus on for my resolutions?
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read through this list. Which verses make you uncomfortable? Which ones bring hope? Often the verses that challenge us most are the ones we need to focus on. Choose 3-5 verses maximum so you can really meditate on them throughout the year.
What if I’ve already broken my New Year’s resolutions?
God’s grace is bigger than your failed resolutions. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning. Confess where you’ve fallen short, receive His forgiveness, and start fresh today. You don’t have to wait until next January to begin again.
Can I make resolutions that aren’t specifically spiritual?
Absolutely. Every area of life—health, finances, relationships, career—is inherently spiritual when surrendered to God. The key is grounding all resolutions in Scripture and asking how these goals can glorify God and advance His kingdom. There’s no division between “sacred” and “secular” for the believer; caring for your body, stewarding resources wisely, and pursuing excellence in work are all acts of worship when done with kingdom purpose.
Want personalized guidance as you step into 2026? We’re working with a small group of leaders who want accountability and strategic spiritual direction. Apply here →