Starting the Year with Small, Intentional Steps

The start of a new year is a time to reflect, plan, and dream about what’s to come. While some dismiss New Year’s resolutions as fleeting or trivial, there’s something undeniably powerful about entering a new year with intentionality. Each January 1 marks not just another day but a fresh chapter in the story God is writing through our lives.

The Line of History

Life isn’t cyclical; it’s linear. From creation to the coming of a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1–5), history is progressing toward God’s ultimate purpose. Each year brings us closer to that culmination, and recognizing this gives weight to how we approach the days ahead. Knowing this, we’re invited to align our goals not with fleeting desires but with eternity in mind.

The Kingdom of Small Beginnings

Jesus often described the kingdom of God using imagery that emphasized small beginnings and hidden progress. A mustard seed grows into a tree (Matthew 13:31–32), and a small measure of leaven works unseen to transform dough (Matthew 13:33). These parables remind us that big outcomes often stem from small, faithful actions.

Like a hiker trusting a trail that begins downhill to ultimately reach the summit, we are called to embrace the small and steady steps that lead to significant destinations. Yet, our culture often glamorizes instant success, tempting us to seek grand victories without considering the daily disciplines required to achieve them.

David’s Small Act of Obedience

Consider the story of David’s victory over Goliath. Most people remember the triumph but forget what brought David to the battlefield. He didn’t set out that day to become a hero; instead, he obeyed his father’s seemingly insignificant request to deliver food to his brothers (1 Samuel 17:17–18).

David’s willingness to take on a small task positioned him for a moment of greatness. Had he ignored or resisted this humble duty, his story and Israel’s might have been very different. His example underscores the truth that small decisions lead to great destinations.

Small Decisions for the New Year

As we step into this new year, we have the opportunity to embrace small, intentional actions that can shape our lives for the better. Here are three small resolutions to consider:

• Start Each Day with Devotion
  Commit to beginning each morning by turning to God in prayer and Scripture before reaching for your phone or diving into daily tasks. This simple habit can recalibrate your focus and set the tone for a Christ-centered day.

• Look for Small Acts of Kindness
  Make it a goal to consistently notice and act on opportunities to serve those around you. Whether it’s offering encouragement, lending a hand, or showing gratitude, small acts of kindness reflect God’s love in tangible ways.

• Take It One Day at a Time
  Resist the temptation to be overwhelmed by the big picture. Instead, approach each day with faithfulness, trusting God for the strength to meet its challenges. As Psalm 113:2–3 reminds us, the name of the Lord is to be praised "from the rising of the sun to its setting."

Avoiding the Path to Destruction

Just as small decisions can lead to greatness, they can also pave the way to destruction. David’s failure with Bathsheba began with a single misstep: staying home from battle when he should have been with his troops (2 Samuel 11:1). Small choices to avoid responsibility or indulge in complacency can snowball into significant consequences.

This principle is echoed in Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 45:24: “Do not quarrel along the way.” Joseph understood that small disputes could reignite old hatred, leading to destructive outcomes. Similarly, being mindful of our daily choices can help us avoid pitfalls and preserve our spiritual integrity.

History Is Moving Forward

As the clock strikes midnight and we step into the land of a new year, let’s remember that history is moving forward, not in circles but along God’s divine timeline. Each small decision we make contributes to the story God is writing.

This year, let’s pursue greatness not through grand resolutions but through faithful, everyday actions. One devotion, one kindness, one day at a time we can shape a year that honors God and leads us closer to His purposes.

If this reflection has encouraged you, consider sharing it with others or subscribing to our newsletter for more insights on living intentionally in the year ahead.