35 Bible Verses for the New Year (2027)

Updated October 2026

The new year is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings: a time to let go of what’s behind you and press into hope for what lies ahead.

There’s no book more hopeful than the Bible. If you need fresh faith for 2027, start with Scripture. Below are 35 Bible verses for the new year, grouped by theme, followed by three simple ways to make a Christ-centered start to the year. All verses are from the NIV.

Jump to the verses you need:

• Bible verses about new beginnings
• Bible verses about letting go of the past
• Bible verses about crossing over into the new year
• Bible verses about hope for the future
• Bible verses about strength and courage
• Bible verses about plans and guidance
• New Year blessing verses
• 3 ways to make a Christ-centered start to the new year

What Does the Bible Say About the New Year?

The Bible never mentions January 1. In Exodus 12:2, God told Moses that the month of Passover would be the first month of Israel’s year. Later Jewish tradition also marks a new year in September or October with Rosh Hashanah (literally, “head of the year”). Rosh Hashanah begins the Days of Awe, ten days of repentance and reflection that end on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Most of us don’t follow those traditions, but the new year can still be a meaningful time for followers of Christ. Scripture is full of verses that call us to remember God’s faithfulness, let go of the past, and look to the future with hope, because the God who made us is “making everything new” (Revelation 21:5).

35 Bible Verses for the New Year

Read these slowly, ask the Lord for guidance, and pray through the passages that stand out to you. Many people choose one verse to carry through the whole year.

‍

Bible Verses About New Beginnings

God specializes in fresh starts. These verses are a reminder that in Christ, every new year begins with grace.

1. Isaiah 43:18–19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
3. Lamentations 3:22–23: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
4. Ezekiel 36:26: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
5. Revelation 21:5: He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

‍

Bible Verses About Letting Go of the Past

The Bible encourages us to release what’s behind us, including old sins God has already forgiven, and press on toward what’s ahead.

6. Philippians 3:13–14: 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.
7. Psalm 103:12: as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
8. Hebrews 12:1: 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.
9. Proverbs 4:25–27: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

‍

Bible Verses About Crossing Over Into the New Year

Many churches describe the move from one year to the next as “crossing over.” The picture comes from Joshua 3, when Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. As soon as the priests’ feet touched the water’s edge, the river stopped flowing and the people crossed on dry ground. These verses are a good fit for a New Year’s Eve service or a crossover prayer night.

10. Joshua 3:5: Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
11. Joshua 1:9: 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.
12. Deuteronomy 31:8: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
13. Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
14. Exodus 33:14: The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

‍

Bible Verses About Hope for the Future

The Bible always points us toward hope. Days that feel heavy (Good Friday) lead to days of joy (Easter Sunday).

15. Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”
16. Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
17. Isaiah 40:31: 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.
18. Romans 5:3–5: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
19. 1 Peter 5:10: And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
20. Ephesians 1:18–19: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
21. Isaiah 65:17: See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

Free online giving tools for your church

Tithely provides the best online tools to help you increase generosity, manage your church, and engage your church members.

Sign Up Free

‍

Bible Verses About Strength and Courage

The Bible doesn’t call us to a passive faith. These verses are for the days in the coming year when you need God’s strength to keep going.

22. Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
23. 2 Timothy 1:7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
24. Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
25. James 1:12: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

‍

Bible Verses About Plans and Guidance

Setting goals for the year? Hold them up to these verses first.

26. Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
27. Proverbs 16:3: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
28. Proverbs 19:21: Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
29. Psalm 32:8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
30. Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

‍

New Year Blessing Verses for Cards, Texts and Social Posts

Looking for a verse to include in a Happy New Year message to your church family? These short blessings work well in cards, texts, emails and social posts.

31. Numbers 6:24–26: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
32. Psalm 65:11: You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
33. Deuteronomy 11:12: It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.
34. Psalm 20:4: May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
35. Psalm 118:24: The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Need graphics to go with these verses? Download free New Year church graphics.

‍

3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start to the New Year

For many people, New Year’s Day is just another day off. It doesn’t have to be. You can use this season to draw yourself, your family and your church closer to Christ. Here are three ways to start.

1. Reflect on the past year with gratitude

The new year can stir up mixed emotions. Looking back, you may feel regret, or you may feel excitement and hope. Either way, take time to reflect before you rush ahead. Ask yourself:

• Where did I see God’s faithfulness this year?
• What did I accomplish, and what goals did I miss?
• How would I like to grow in the year ahead?

Whether the past year felt like a success or a struggle, set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you, even when you can’t see or feel it. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The best response to the year behind you is thankfulness.

2. Seek renewal in Christ

A new year is a reminder of both old sins and new beginnings. As it approaches, seek renewal in Christ through Bible reading, prayer and the life of your local church. Pick one verse from the list above to memorize and pray through in January, and let the Lord do a deep work in your soul.

3. Plan patiently and prayerfully

The new year naturally brings resolutions. Before you commit yourself or your church to new plans, move forward prayerfully and patiently. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

If you can, get away for a few days to seek the Lord in prayer (pastors, see 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Time away gives you room to hear from God about the ideas you’re carrying.

For personal goals, invite family and friends into the process and let them speak into your plans. For your church, invite your leadership team in early. When leaders help shape the plan, they take greater ownership of it.

Start the New Year Organized

If one of your goals for the year is to run a more organized church, Tithely church management software keeps your people, groups, events and giving in one place. And if you’re planning your last service of the year, see our year-end church service ideas.

More New Year Resources for Your Church

• New Year’s Eve Church Service Ideas
• New Year Sermon Ideas
• Are New Year’s Resolutions Biblical?
• 100+ Encouraging Bible Verses & Religious Quotes