Listening to God in the New Year
Monday, January 6, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

Crunch, crunch, crunch. My boots stomped the icy snow as I trudged to the car. With unplowed roads, a snowy stillness blanketed the earth. The sound of crispy footsteps tingled in my ears.

I stopped to listen. The snowstorm painted a white canvas for the eyes and enfolded the world in frosty peace.

A small drip trickled from the icicle on my car bumper and resounded through the hush.

I marveled. How could something as small as a snowflake, once accumulated, silence an entire neighborhood? God’s ways are a wonder to behold.

As we look ahead to a new year, a white canvas awaits. Empty pages anticipate the pen of the God who authors our days.

Before sprinting ahead with our agendas, may we pause to hear from God.

Sometimes our fast-paced schedules make it difficult to hear from the Lord. We long for a good snowstorm to slow us down, tuck us in, and mute the world’s frenzy so we can perceive God’s still small voice.

What are His plans, His purposes, and His dreams for us?

How can we discern God’s voice and hear His message of love beckoning us?

Thankfully, it’s not hard to hear from the Lord. God speaks through His Word, as the indwelling Spirit illuminates and teaches us more about our Savior.

Last year, my husband and I chose a Scripture verse to meditate on for the year, Proverbs 3:5-6. As we prayed and discussed new possibilities for this year, one verse immediately jumped out for my husband, Romans 8:1 (ESV), “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We soaked in the profound truth and mercy of this verse and chapter.

However, I continued to listen in quiet—reading, praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to highlight a Scripture that resonated with me. After rereading the chapter, this verse echoed in my heart and mind—Romans 8:31a (ESV), “If God is for us, who can be against us?“

Remembering all Christ has done, is doing, and will do, I can stand on the unshakable Rock of ages, no matter what challenges arise in the coming year.

May you find the time and space to sit quietly with Lord Jesus—resting and listening to God through His Word and Spirit.

May God refresh and fortify your soul with a Bible verse or chapter, empowering you to approach the year ahead with divine wisdom, Christlike love, and Spirit-filled peace.

I pray God’s abundant blessings for you and your families in the coming year!

Do you have a Bible verse or chapter that touched your heart? Are you meditating on a verse for the year? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Update for My Readers:

My book, The Whole Bible Devotional, is available from:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Rakuten Kobo

Most importantly, please pray for God’s blessing, anointing, and favor over this book that it may touch hearts and draw many closer to Christ. I pray it is a blessing to you and to all who will read. Thank you, everyone, for your encouragement and help! To God be the glory!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

You are God's Masterpiece
Melissa McLaughlin
3/23/2026

Let the Wind of God's Spirit Sweep Over You
Melissa McLaughlin
2/23/2026

How Does the Light of Christ Change Your Heart?
Melissa McLaughlin
2/9/2026

3 Ways to Set Your Affections on Things Above
Melissa McLaughlin
1/26/2026

3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year
Melissa McLaughlin
1/12/2026

Half a Walk is Better Than No Walk
Melissa McLaughlin
11/10/2025

You May Be the One
Melissa McLaughlin
11/3/2025

How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/15/2025

Are You Stretching for More of God?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/8/2025

Turn On the Light of Christ
Melissa McLaughlin
9/1/2025

Where is God Planting You?
Melissa A. McLaughlin
8/20/2025

Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?
Melissa McLaughlin
7/23/2025