Daily Devotions for the New Year

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

It’s a new year and a great time to start new habits. Often, we set resolutions, words of the year, or intentions for the new year. As Christians, if you aren’t already setting time daily for a devotional with God, why not make this year the year you start?

As a teenager, I remember getting my first devotional journal, “Survival Kit for New Christians.”

I found this image online. I don’t have my original copy anymore, but I wish I had it to look back and see what I wrote. I remember it having a passage of scripture and a brief story, followed by fill-in-the-blank questions. This devotional time was important to me as a teen who was also a Sunday school teacher.

While there aren’t any new updated versions of this guide, we live in a time when devotional access is unlimited. More on that later. First, let’s get into why daily devotionals are essential.

Why Daily Devotions Matter

Spending time daily with God is like making time to connect with Him. Consistent devotions allow us to communicate with God and seek His will. They provide a sacred space to hear His voice and align our lives with His purpose. Life can be messy, and there can be a lot of noise in our heads, so it’s nice to set some time aside and be alone in our thoughts with God.

Not only do daily devotions connect us with God, but they are also good for personal growth. Regular time in God’s word builds spiritual maturity, strengthens our faith, and provides wisdom for life’s challenges.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of meditation on God’s word. Psalm 1:2-3 tells us that those who delight in and mediate on God’s law are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in every season.

“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever they do prospers.” - Psalm 1:2-3

Overcoming Challenges to Daily Devotions

Even though we know how important daily devotionals are, it’s not always easy to keep up with them. We live in a busy world, and finding time can feel impossible. Your daily devotional does not need to be lengthy. Even spending a few minutes alone with God can be meaningful. You know yourself best. If you know you are rushing every morning, save your devotional time for the evening. If you enjoy slow mornings, try setting aside five to ten minutes.

Finding a time that works best for your schedule can still be hard to be consistent. We often have so many distractions that our minds are busy. To help calm the noise, create a dedicated space where you’ll have your devotionals and keep it free from technology, ahem, your cell phone. That thing that buzzes or beeps with notification after notification. Keep your phone away for a few minutes to focus your heart and mind. If you’re using the Bible app on your phone, you can still silence notifications so you don’t get interrupted or distracted.

Building a Sustainable Devotion Practice

We’ve discussed the importance of daily devotionals and the challenges of building a new habit. Let’s discuss how we can make this year the year we stay consistent with them because building a daily devotional habit doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

First, set a realistic goal. Start small, like reading one Bible verse or even a chapter daily. You can gradually increase your time as you build this new habit. This can be easier if you have the right tools to begin with. We keep talking about daily devotionals, but what do we use for a devotional?

As I mentioned earlier, there are so many resources available today. They range from free to some paid resources. The first free option is to use your Bible. I remember times when I didn’t have a dedicated devotional book. I would just open my Bible and pray that God show me the right verses to read. Later on, I was gifted a Serenity Bible from our Pastor’s wife. I loved this Bible. It was great for starting conversations in small groups, and it’s great for daily devotionals. As a young adult, I had many questions, and it’s true that the Bible really has all the answers.

Another option is to download the Bible app on your phone. This app includes the Bible and also devotionals. There are many options, and they’re all free. You can find the Bible app in the Ap Store or scan this QR code below.

Building any habit takes time and effort. You can implement a habit tracker where you can check off daily habits. It will help you create a sense of accomplishment as you check off each day. Here’s a free downloadable copy you can use for any habit, whether daily devotionals or something else. However, it is important to remember that daily devotions aren’t for checking an item on your to-do list. It’s your daily time to connect and grow your faith in God.

It’s also good to have the right tools for your devotional. Keeping a journal is also great because you can add your thoughts and notes as you read through verses and devotionals from the Bible app.

Encouraging Children to Have Daily Devotionals

It’s great to have a habit of daily devotionals to help you grow in your faith. Not only as an individual but also as a mother and/or Sunday School teacher. Children learn by watching. Your children will follow in your footsteps when you set a good example. When you prioritize devotions, you demonstrate the value of spending time with God.

The Serendipity Bible that I had now belongs to my teenage son. He’s made a goal to read the entire Bible. Not all teens will find this exciting, but my son is determined to do it. He may not read it daily but plans to include it in his daily routine.

Reading the Bible as a devotional may not work for all children. Devotions should be appropriate for their age and fun and engaging. You can make them fun and engaging through storytelling, crafts, or even singing praise songs. Stories should be age-appropriate to keep children’s attention. This could be an excellent opportunity to implement a new family ritual. Spending time together as a family to have devotions can foster unity and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Daily devotions are more than a routine; they’re a pathway to experiencing God’s presence and power in your life. As you commit to this spiritual habit in 2025, remember to start small, stay consistent, and trust God’s guidance.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With His help, this year can be one of profound spiritual growth and connection. Start today and see how God transforms your life through the simple yet powerful habit of daily devotions.