Happy New Year! As we enter 2019, I want to discuss keys to starting the new year right. Here are a few tips for setting yourself up to have a great year.

Seek God.

As Janean covered in yeasterday’s discussion, it is crucial to seek God for who He is and for the direction He has for your life. The Bible says that if we seek, we will find. God promises to guide our every step.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

Ask God.

Ask God about His plans. He has good plans for us, and as we ask Him, He will answer and give us the knowledge and wisdom we need. Instead of worrying and striving for what you want, ask God who gives generously and freely.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 (KJV)

Wait on God.

As we wait on God, we begin to hear and know Him. Answers come by spending time with God. Instead of trying to figure everything out, wait on God Who knows all things. He will give you the answers you need and can work things out better than you can.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a (KJV)

Study God’s Word.

Make a decision to be in God’s Word every day of the year. You can decide to read the Bible through in a year or do studies on specific topics, such as healing, wisdom, finances, etc. Or you could do a character study, such as digging into the lives of people like Daniel, Joseph, Jesus, etc. Or you could do an in-depth study of a particular book of the Bible. There are numerous ways to study the Bible- the main thing is to make the time to do it and be consistent with it.

Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 (Modern English Version, MEV)

Be a Giver.

The law of sowing and reaping is ALWAYS in operation. I have found that as I give, I never lack for anything.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (New International Version, NIV)

Reach Out to Others.

Never forget that you are saved because someone reached out to you with the good news of the gospel. I have found that joy comes in reaching out to others. It can be a kind word, a helping hand, a card, a phone call, or just being there to listen. You could reach out to pray for someone. You could buy someone’s groceries. The ways to reach out are endless. Do you realize that you might be the only person who can reach certain people for Christ? When you reach out, you become the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. And God has promised that what we do for others, He will do for us.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40 (KJV)

There you have it; a few tried and true ways to experience a great year. And if I might add- a great life too. Employ these tactics and 2019 will be your best year yet!