For the Christian woman, a new year can bring new vision, new beginnings, new opportunities and a new perspective. It’s true for me and it’s true for you, no matter how hard or easy life has been. That’s because there’s a Person behind the new things to come, who continues to make “all things new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

This gives us hope. This gives me hope! I know that Christ is the source and sustainer of all things in my life and with Him, there is and will always be, hope. Hope for salvation to save, for sanctification to change, and for glorification to come in His return. And hope for all the tiny things that make up those big things in our lives.

The tiny, small things really do matter. He’s been teaching me this over the past few years and I have to say, it’s shifted my mindset about my walk with Him.  I’m more focused on the everyday journey with Him instead of always looking to the next big thing. It’s helped me to see my imperfections and successes both as opportunities to do what He’s called me to do and that’s love Him first, love others next, and continue to lean in to Him one day at a time.

So, here’s how I want to encourage you today as you begin a new year walking with the Lord. It’s eight, simple small ways that may just turn out to be mighty in your journey with Him.

1. Prioritize Gratitude. Gratitude towards God for who He is and what He has done and what He is doing should be a central focus. This command to be grateful is found all over the Bible and for good reason, practicing gratitude has been shown to improve our life experiences in this broken world. And, it grounds us.

2. Daily Acknowledge Your Dependence on God. Ever heard a pastor preach a sermon on prayer and in doing so, mention that it’s the first thing he does when his feet hit the floor each morning? How inspiring! We need to make a daily (how about hourly?) habit of saying it out loud: Lord, I need you.

3. Let Go of Control. This one closely interweaves with the second one but deserves its own blurb. Trying to control our lives, our circumstances, and other people’s lives (come on, admit it if you need to) only increases our fear and anxiety. And, it pushes others away. Chose faith in our faithful God instead.

4. Connect Deeply with Your People. Of course I’m talking about your small group and the context of the church. But, guess what? I’m also talking about your everyday kind-of people. Listen to them; genuinely listen. Go through the “back door” and look behind the scenes. Be a connector—between them and the Lord.

5. Take Care of Your Temple. Your body, that is. The place where the Holy Spirit of God dwells. Understand how God has created you. . . In His image and with value and dignity. Be aware of your habits and commit to moving your body, nourishing it and seeing yourself as a steward of the temple and time He’s given you.

6. Create Your Order. Set intentions to be in the Word and in prayer. Make the monthly cleaning plans, get your meal prep recipes and organize your home. This is the command of mankind in Genesis to have dominion and create order; and yet, do it with a flexible spirit that yields to Him in everyday moments.

7. Set Some Real Boundaries. Our human nature wants to rebel against boundaries, but the Bible shows us that they are good for us. Trust God in this. Instead of asking, “Do I have to?”, remind yourself that His ways are best and higher than ours. Whether it’s media, spending, or any other way you indulge.

8. Commit to God’s Word. Let’s make a sound commitment to read Scripture daily. Maybe it’s a reading plan on the Bible App or a devotional that speaks to your specific season of life right now. Memorize it, meditate on it. It is the life-breath of His words coming into our lives and it is the power for those who believe.

And finally, rest in Jesus. Take all the good, the bad, the hard and the soft things of this life—your past and your future to come—and lay them all down before Him.  Offer Him your best sacrifice . . . you. And be assured that He has your year in the palm of His hand.