Every year can feel full of hope and promise as we look to shed the disappointments of the last year, and look forward to the possibilities of the new year.
While we might be inclined to run ahead into the new year with our own goals and priorities, we do the very best thing for the new year when we look to the Lord to ask Him to determine our steps and direction.
These Bible verses for January help us to focus on seeking the Lord’s direction in the new year and beyond.
Don’t miss the link for the free download for a printable wisdom Bible reading plan for beginners for January, that includes Bible study questions about seeking God’s direction.
Bible Verses for January – Seeking God’s Direction
It can be easy to think that our plans are the right way to go. We must know best, right?
But even if we just look at some of our own past experiences, we will know that this isn’t true.
We can rush beyond wisdom from the Lord, that He sometimes gives us through other people. We sometimes then encounter many difficulties that we wouldn’t have had if we had followed the Lord’s direction we received through prayer or through the principles found in God’s Word.
Let’s take a look at the importance of seeking God’s direction in our daily lives and our future plans. And don’t miss out on the free printable wisdom Bible reading plan for beginners (or anyone else!) below.
The Importance of Seeking Guidance from the Lord
Often a favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 is a beautiful way to remind us that we need to look to God for our direction, not just stubbornly trusting in our own wisdom and plans.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
It is tempting to believe that we can control every aspect of our lives. If we work hard, eat right, and live well, we believe that life will turn out just how we want.
Yet life can change in the blink of an eye. The great job you had can disappear; the spouse you imagined spending the rest of your life with is gone; the health you tried to painstakingly maintain is shattered by a diagnosis.
We often make our own plans based on what we think should be our priorities and goals, usually based on what feels good and what will benefit us the most here on earth.
But the Lord longs for us to be heavenly-minded. He has plans for us that may not be what we want, but they are the plans that we need to grow closer to Him.
We can trust in God for our future, even when we don’t understand what is happening or why we are going through this trial. We can trust the path that He has given us. We might think we know better than God, but that is a wild claim against the Creator of the Universe!
James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
We often pray for guidance when we face a big crisis or a huge decision. But what about seeking God’s wisdom throughout our everyday lives?
The world today, when it isn’t telling you to do your own thing, is trying to sell you on getting the perfect coach or mentor that can help you achieve your goals. While having mentors share their wisdom with you can be extremely helpful, they aren’t the only person we should be listening to.
God freely offers His wisdom to us each day, through His Word and through prayer. If we constantly are pursuing the Lord and His wisdom, we don’t have as far to reach when we are trying to figure out what to do. We aren’t starting out on empty when we ask for wisdom.
But in God’s grace, even when we aren’t seeking His wisdom daily, He will hear our prayers and answer us with His wisdom, without reproach. Thank God for His compassion on us!
Bible Verses for Seeking God’s Direction
The Bible has a lot to say about God’s wisdom and how we can pursue His guidance and direction.
Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways, LORD. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. I wait for you all day long.”
These beautiful verses from the Psalms remind us to pursue the Lord for His wisdom, to ask Him to show us the way and to teach us. But then it includes this: “I wait for you all day long.”
Is this a difficult part of the verse for you? We are so busy today, going from place to place, responding to demands from others, trying to get all the things done on all of the lists.
When we hear that part of the verse, we might picture sitting in a quiet place, doing nothing, waiting for the Lord to speak to our heart. And for some people, in some circumstances, this is the very thing that they need to do.
But often, the Lord wants us to have Him on our mind as we go about the day. To take Him with us as we talk to other people. He wants us to show us the path as we walk on it with Him.
We can also look at a couple of examples of how the Lord guided others in the Bible. Take a look at this verse from Isaiah.
Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
In this part of the Old Testament, the Israelites were once again, rebellious. The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah to exhort them to return to Him. Those who trusted God would hear God and His wisdom in their lives.
“If God gives us not only the word, but the hearing ear, not only the means of grace, but a heart to make a good use of those means, we have reason to say, He is very gracious to us, and reason to hope he has yet further mercy in store for us.” – Matthew Henry
We are all rebellious in our sin, whether for moments or for a season. But the Lord wants us to follow Him, and will give us guidance and wisdom we need for His journey.
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 a hope and a future.”
This is a beautiful and hopeful Bible verse, but often isn’t given the context that it needs. It is a message to the Israelites after they have been defeated and taken into captivity. They are told this, so that they would know that hope for their nation is not lost.
But it did not mean that their lives were suddenly transformed into prosperous lives of freedom. God may have great plans for you, but it doesn’t mean that they will be evident to you soon, or how you pictured it.
Additionally, our hope and future is in Jesus Christ and His salvation. Even though we grapple with challenges, injustices, and hardships, we can persevere because the Lord is with us. We can trust in Him for His plans and look to His wisdom and guidance for each day.
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.”
Have you ever sought guidance from someone who was brilliant, but had a flaw who overshadowed it?
I had a math professor in college who taught math at high levels, but honestly didn’t do well at imparting his mathematical wisdom.
Others have complained to me about a doctor who was well-respected in their field, but had a gruff bedside manner.
The One who wants to guide us in His ways, to share His wisdom and to follow Him, is not flawed. He is perfect and He loves us. Let’s be teachable and receptive to His loving guidance.
Practical Steps for Seeking God’s Direction in the New Year
So what are some steps that we can take to make a priority of seeking God’s direction in the New Year?
Pray Each Day for Guidance
If you were trying to start a business and had access to an amazing business coach, would you ignore him or her? Would you just muddle along and try to figure it out on your own?
If you are wise, the answer is no. You would talk to the coach as much as possible, asking for help at every step of the way.
Friends, we have access to the Lord of the universe! He created us and wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to hear our prayers. Asking Him for guidance each day not only can give us wisdom for the day, but also get our heart in the right place to live a life that glorifies Him.
If you are new to prayer, or feel like you need some inspiration, here is an example of a prayer for guidance.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for today and for Your plans that You have for me.
I humbly ask You for the guidance that I need for lies ahead of me. Whether it is a large challenge or an everyday detail, I want to follow Your will.
Please guide me so that I know what to do. May I find guidance through Your Word and through the wisdom of other Christians. May I know in my heart what Your guidance is.
I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Spend Time in God’s Word Each Day
We often try to get by without reading the manual to a new appliance, gadget, or piece of electronics. But then we wonder why we are confused by it.
The Bible is so much more than just an instruction manual, although it does have a great deal of useful instruction for us in it. It is God’s Word to us today. Reading and studying the Bible gives us so much more insight than our own thoughts.
There are many recommended Bible reading plans. If you are new to Bible reading, or want to focus on this topic of seeking God’s direction, we have a 31-day Bible reading plan that features 1 – 3 Bible verses for each day. You can find that printable wisdom Bible reading plan for beginners below.
Connect with Other Christians
When facing a big problem, haven’t you felt completely different after talking it over with a friend or family member? Having another point of view from a brother or sister in Christ can be helpful.
When we do things just on our own, we often are just telling ourselves the same things over and over. Some of the things we tell ourselves might be right, but others are wildly off the mark.
God gave us each other! It’s one reason that it is important to be part of a church. We don’t want to miss out on supporting others and being supported by them.
Bible Reading Plan for Seeking God’s Direction + Bible Study Questions
If you want to take a deeper look at what the Bible has to say about seeking God’s direction, this is a great place to start.
This free 31-day Bible reading plan gives you 1-3 Bible verses a day to look up and reflect on, as you seek the Lord’s guidance.
We also have a printable Bible Study and Reflection sheet about seeking God’s direction. Here are the 4 questions.
- What does it practically look like to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5–6) in your day-to-day life?
- Psalm 32:8 says God will counsel us with His “loving eye.” How does remembering God’s love for you change the way you approach decisions?
- In what ways has God’s Word corrected or redirected you recently (2 Timothy 3:16–17)?
- What areas of your life do you need God’s direction in right now? Write a short prayer asking Him for wisdom, clarity, and the courage to follow where He leads.
If you want the expanded version of this download, check out the version that also includes more design variations on the reading plan, a Bible journaling worksheet, a prayer log, and a notes page, available in my Etsy store.
God remains faithful in guiding His people. Even when the path is unclear or trials arise, His wisdom and direction are available to those who seek Him. His love and perfect understanding provide a secure foundation for navigating life’s uncertainties.
Embrace the new year with a heart fully committed to seeking God’s direction in every aspect of life. Prioritize prayer, study His Word, and connect with fellow believers.
Trust in His plans, knowing that He desires to lead you into a hope-filled future. Choose to walk in obedience and surrender to His will, allowing His peace to guard your heart and mind.If you liked the Bible Reading Plan for Seeking God’s Direction, you may also like Bible Verses for January and Prayer Points for New Beginnings.
