Expecting the Right Things: Aligning Our New Year Goals with God’s Will

As the calendar turns to another year, hope often rises with it. We set goals, dream big, and make promises to ourselves about who we’ll become and what we’ll accomplish. But often, by February, reality hits, expectations go unmet, and discouragement sets in. Why? Because expectations—when they are misplaced or unrealistic—can lead to frustration, burnout, and a sense of failure.

Yet Scripture gives us a better way to manage our expectations for the year ahead. The Bible calls us to align our hopes and plans with God’s will, to rest in His providence, and to approach the future with both humility and faith. This article will explore how to set Christ-centered expectations for the new year, walking in step with His purposes rather than our own striving.

Begin with God’s Sovereignty, Not Our Ambition

The new year often tempts us to start with our dreams and desires, but the wise Christian begins with God. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (ESV)

This verse doesn’t discourage planning; rather, it reminds us to hold our plans with open hands, submitting them to the Lord’s greater will. God’s sovereignty ensures that no goal we set—no matter how well-intentioned—can override His perfect purposes.

Consider James 4:13-15, where the apostle challenges the arrogance of making plans apart from God:
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. … Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”

As you approach the new year, take time to pray over your hopes and goals. Ask God to reveal His will and align your heart with it. Replace self-reliant ambition with a posture of humble dependence, trusting that His plans for you are far better than anything you could design.

Set Expectations Rooted in God’s Glory

Why do we set goals in the first place? Is it to impress others, to gain more comfort, or to elevate ourselves? The Christian’s primary purpose in life is clear:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

When we set expectations for the new year, they must flow from a desire to honor God. This applies to both big goals—like career changes, family decisions, or ministry opportunities—and smaller, everyday habits. Ask yourself:

• Will this goal bring glory to God, or is it about my own recognition?
• Does this expectation reflect biblical priorities?
• Will it lead me to grow in Christlikeness and serve others well?

For example, instead of setting a resolution to “be more successful,” consider aiming to be a better steward of the gifts and time God has given you (Colossians 3:23-24). Instead of striving for material gain, commit to growing in generosity and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). When your expectations are rooted in God’s glory, you’ll find greater fulfillment and peace, even if your plans don’t unfold perfectly.

Expect Trials and Trust God’s Purpose in Them

One of the biggest challenges with expectations is the assumption that the new year will be smooth and trouble-free. But Jesus Himself prepared us for the reality of trials:
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

Scripture does not promise us an easy road in the year ahead. There may be setbacks, disappointments, or unforeseen suffering. Yet, as believers, we can set an expectation of hope because we know God is working all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

James 1:2-4 calls us to a godly mindset in trials:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Instead of expecting perfection in your circumstances, expect God to refine you through them. Trials are not obstacles to a “good year”; they are opportunities to grow in faith, endurance, and dependence on Christ.

Focus on Daily Faithfulness, Not Immediate Results

In a culture obsessed with instant results, it’s easy to set goals with unrealistic expectations. We want change now—spiritual maturity, improved health, restored relationships, financial breakthroughs. Yet God often works through slow, steady, faithful obedience.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us in this:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (ESV)

The farmer plants seeds, but the harvest comes later. Likewise, we must commit to daily faithfulness, trusting God to bring the results in His time. Whether you’re striving to grow in prayer, mend a relationship, or develop a new habit, focus on taking small, consistent steps of obedience.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This truth frees us from the pressure of perfection. If you stumble or fall short of your goals, lean into God’s mercy and begin again, one day at a time.

Guard Your Heart Against Comparison

Nothing derails our expectations faster than comparison. When we measure our progress or success against others, envy and dissatisfaction take root. Yet Scripture warns us against this dangerous trap:
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26, ESV)

God has a unique plan and purpose for each of His children. Your race is not identical to anyone else’s. When you compare yourself to others—whether in ministry, family life, career, or personal goals—you lose sight of God’s personal work in your life.

Instead of comparing, celebrate God’s grace at work in others, and focus on running the race He has set before you (Hebrews 12:1-2). Keep your eyes on Jesus, the ultimate goal and prize of your life.

Trust God for the Results

Ultimately, managing expectations for the new year comes down to trusting God with the outcome. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers this timeless wisdom:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)

You can make plans, set goals, and work hard, but the results are in God’s hands. Trusting Him means surrendering your expectations—both the fulfilled and the unfulfilled—into His sovereign care. It means believing that His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His timing is perfect.

This trust brings freedom. It frees you from the burden of control, the anxiety of uncertainty, and the disappointment of unmet goals. You can move into the new year with confidence, knowing that God is faithful and that His purposes will stand.

Practical Steps to Align Expectations with God’s Will

1. Start with Prayer: Dedicate the new year to God. Spend time praying over your hopes, goals, and concerns, asking Him to align your desires with His will (Psalm 37:4-5).
2. Seek God’s Word: Let Scripture guide your priorities. Meditate on passages like Matthew 6:33, which reminds us to seek first God’s kingdom, and Colossians 3:17, which calls us to honor Him in all we do.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Focus on progress, not perfection. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and give yourself grace along the way.
4. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group who can pray for you and encourage you to stay faithful.
5. Celebrate God’s Faithfulness: Regularly reflect on how God is at work in your life, even in small ways. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of His blessings.

Conclusion: A Year Anchored in Christ

The new year brings with it a fresh opportunity to realign our hearts, plans, and expectations with God’s will. As you look ahead, let your goals be shaped by His glory, not your own ambition. Trust His purpose in every joy and trial, and focus on daily faithfulness rather than instant results.

Ultimately, our greatest expectation for the year ahead is not in what we will accomplish, but in what God will do as we walk with Him. The One who began a good work in you will surely bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). May this year be a testimony to His grace, His power, and His unwavering faithfulness.

*”Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory