There are seemingly two major attitudes towards New Years: either you are hopeful in anticipation or fearful of the unknown. I happen to be the latter and instinctively shy away from "a new start". Maybe you are like me and more hesitant of unknowns, undones, and new paths. Most of these are a from a root of fear even though its seems to be normal anxiety. Let me encourage you to fight all the worries and anxious thoughts with scripture from the Bible.
Here are my favorite ones for fighting anxiety:
Isaiah 26:3- You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 56:3-11 - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Isaiah 41:10- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
Joshua 1: 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
John 14:27- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
These are some favorites to focus on and remember for the new year:
Romans 15:13 - I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 66: 9-11 - Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbing. You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver.
Ecclesiastes 3: 11- He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Life isn't easy but I have seen in my own life these scriptures and promises come true. When I shift my thoughts to what God said about my new year versus what the devil wants me to think (the negative and fear of the future), I gain peace!