The start of a new year often comes wrapped in noise, goals, resolutions, pressure to be better or do more. This January, I’ve felt drawn in the opposite direction. Less striving. More space. A slower, more faithful return to the things that steady my soul.
One of those has been opening a brand-new Faith Journal.
There’s something deeply symbolic about a fresh page at the start of a year. Clean, uncluttered, waiting. Not demanding answers, just offering room. Room to pray honestly, to write Scripture slowly, to notice what God might be doing beneath the surface.
Returning to the Bible (Again)
I’ve also begun the Bible in One Year once more. Not as a rigid tick-box exercise, but as a daily invitation. Some days I read attentively, other days I simply show up, and I’m learning that showing up still counts.
At church, we were encouraged to take on simple discipleship challenges this year:
Read the Bible regularly and Memorise Scripture. Make intentional space for God.
I’ve chosen to memorise Psalm 121.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”
God doesn’t sleep; words I didn’t realise how much I needed until I began returning to them each day.
Faith Journaling and Anxiety
Anxiety has a way of shrinking our world. It pulls our focus inward and convinces us that everything rests on our shoulders. Faith journaling has been gently pushing back against that narrative.
There is something profoundly calming about:
handwriting Scripture recording gratitude noticing prayers instead of rushing past them
In those moments, my breathing slows. My thoughts quieten. I remember that I am not alone, and I am not carrying everything by myself.
The journal has become less about productivity and more about presence, a place where I can be honest with God without needing to tidy my thoughts first.
When the Sparkle Fades
If I’m honest, the start of this year hasn’t felt shiny. The initial sparkle of something new has dimmed, and there have been moments of sadness and disappointment I didn’t quite expect.
Rather than forcing myself to feel upbeat, I’m trying something different: leaning in. Leaning into prayer. Leaning into Scripture. Leaning into the possibility that God may be doing something quieter, deeper, and more formative than I can currently see.
Psalm 121 reminds me that God watches over my coming and going, not just the obvious milestones, but the uncertain in-between spaces too.
Looking Ahead Gently
This year, I’m not asking God for a detailed plan.
I’m asking for:
steadiness instead of certainty faithfulness instead of perfection courage to trust what He is doing, even when I don’t yet understand it
If you’re starting this year feeling weary, uncertain, or quietly hopeful rather than loudly confident, you’re not alone.
Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is simply make space again.
And trust that God will meet us there.
Pretty Flower 