16 Verses to Guide 2016

Each of us will allow something to guide our plans to influence our calendars, and to shape our priorities in the coming year. If we aren’t careful, though, that something may not be the best guide. A few weeks ago I shared some of my desires for 2016 … and as I’ve prayed and spent time in the Word, I have identified 16 verses to guide 2016.

John 15:5-8

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Hosea 6:3

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.

Micah 7:7

But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.

1 John 2:5-6

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Psalm 71:14

But I will hope continually
and will praise you yet more and more.

Isaiah 26:3

You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 31:11-12

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

Lamentations 2:19b

Pour out your heart like water
before the presence of the Lord!
Lift your hands to him
for the lives of your children.

Ephesians 6:4

[Mothers], do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

As you might be able to tell, my focus this year is on abiding in Christ — growing in my love and intimacy with Him, learning what it is He desires for me and being faithful to obey. But also, I realize how important it is {especially with the often busy and chaotic schedule in our home} to be intentional about prioritizing my relationships with both Scott and Casiday.

While you may not make a list of verses like this, I do urge you to consider how Scripture can frame the way you approach the coming year. Far too often we make our plans and resolutions without allowing the Word of God to shape those desires. I hope you will take some time to meditate over the passages of Scripture that have resonated with you or been repeated in different forms over the past few months — ask the Lord to show you how those verses can become the foundation of your desires and dreams for the 2016.

Monday I’ll be kicking off a five-day series with specific action steps we can take to begin 2016 focused on loving God and loving others. I hope you’ll join me!