Remember the goals you are trying to achieve, and don’t give up no matter how discouraged you may be at any given moment. Keep your focus in the face of obstacles and consider the good that will come from your efforts.

Resolutions for the new year are easy to make but not always so easy to bring to fruition. Here are 26 simple ways, along with related Bible passages, to begin 2026 with renewed focus, faithfulness, and joy in Christ:

Christ, the Gospel, and the Means of Grace

1. Remember the gospel.

Because Christ was born in the flesh and kept the law perfectly, being the perfect once-for-all sacrifice for sin, we have sure hope in him.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:1-4)

2. Cling to Christ, not the world.

Remember that this world is passing away; therefore, keep your focus on what is eternal rather than what is temporary. The missionary Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:16-17)

3. Start your day with prayer.

Follow Jesus’ example and start your day by praying to your heavenly Father. If you’re not sure what to pray for, reciting the Lord’s Prayer is a great way to begin.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

4. Keep yourself in God’s Word.

Have you ever wanted God to speak to you? He has already in his word. Read your Bible daily and learn the special revelation God wants you to know, understand, and take to heart.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16)

5. Memorize small portions of Scripture.

Rather than setting overwhelming goals, commit to learning a verse—or even a phrase—at a time. God’s word stored in your heart will strengthen you throughout the day.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)

6. Attend church regularly.

Attend a local church regularly that faithfully preaches the word of God and rightly administers the sacraments and church discipline. Online sermons can be helpful and edifying, but they are not meant to replace consistent church attendance where a believer participates in the communion of the saints and is cared for by faithful pastors, elders, and deacons.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24-25)

Gratitude, Contentment, and Obedience

7. Gives thanks daily.

Remember God’s general and specific blessings in your life and thank him daily.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:18)

8. Rejoice in the Lord always.

God has given us his word and Spirit to remind us that, even in the midst of tribulation, we have the peace and love of our Father in heaven because of Christ our Savior. We also have a glorious eternal home awaiting us that can never be taken away.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:8-9)

9. Cultivate contentment in ordinary circumstances.

Ask the Lord to teach you contentment where you are, trusting his wisdom and provision in daily life.

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Phil. 4:11)

10. Obey God.

Christians should be diligent to grow in godliness. Remember your consequent duty as a child of God to strive to honor your heavenly Father in your daily comportment.

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Rom. 6:13-14)

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