Check out all the previous New Year’s readings here.

New Year’s Reading | Day 1

Prayer

Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Thank God for a new year and ask Him to help you make Him and His ways your priority this year.

Bible Reading: Psalm 16:11

Read these verses three times slowly.

You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Reflection & Questions

As we begin a New Year, it can be a time to reconsider our priorities. In our New Year readings we will be looking at different aspects of our walk with God and our priorities in life. In this reading we’re looking at the number one thing that will make a difference in your life and in 2024. It’s God Himself, your relationship with Him. Like a fish is designed to live in water, you are designed to live in relationship with God. As we go into 2024, if we minimize living in the presence of God, we are as foolish as a fish trying to live on land.

Notice the amazing benefits the psalmist says of connecting with God. Firstly, he says that God makes “known to me the path of life.” God guides him. Gives him direction. When there’s tough decisions to make or he wonders about what way to go, God is there to guide. Secondly, he says, “you fill me with joy in your presence.” If you want joy this year, true joy, there is only one place to find it. In the presence of God. Finally, he says with God there are “eternal pleasures”. Everything in this world is fading away, but with God, we gain pleasure that will never cease.

What is the source of these things? It is our connection with God. It is listening to God. It is being in His presence. Don’t miss that. We can be busy with all sorts of things, even things FOR God, and miss being WITH God. The most important priority for you this year should be connecting with God. It is only in our relationship with Him, that we will get true knowledge, joy and eternal pleasures.

1. As you think of making connecting a God a priority, what do you need to start and stop doing? A daily reading plan, like the Crossroads reading plan is a great way to connect with God each day.
2. As you consider connecting with God this year, this self-assessment might help you in what next steps to take.

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.

Questions?