If we incorporate scripture into our goals, we’ll be able to make plans that have the strength of the Lord instead of relying on circumstances. The truth is, we have no idea what our future is going to look like. Things may be easy or things may be harder than ever. But at the end of the day, if we use the Lord and his wisdom to help guide our goals and plans, our journeys will be fruitful and meaningful, even if they don’t look picture-perfect.
The truth is, our goals are going to be different than they were a year ago. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as important or fulfilling. In fact, if we crack open the Bible and decide to intentionally make scripture-oriented goals, our plans for the future can be better than ever before. Knowing that our plans are anointed by the Lord will give us motivation when we’re feeling weak and the courage to keep walking forward, even when times feel uncertain.
So how can we use the Bible to write new goals—goals that matter?
Lean on One Book
Is there a book in the Bible that really sings to your heart right now? Maybe it’s one of the allegories of old, like Genesis or the story of Jonah and the whale. Or maybe you’re really clinging to the Gospels to remember what Jesus actually said when he was here on Earth. Maybe you’re getting a lot of life from the writings of Paul, as he attempts to be a Christian in a world that isn’t so Christ-friendly. No matter where you’re feeling called, choose a book that can be your partner during the goal-setting process. One that you want to return to again and again! As you read through that book in the Bible, try and empathize with the characters present and understand why that book is so meaningful for you during this time. See what journey the main actors are going through and how that may be relevant to your own goal-setting.
Make Specific Goals
Notice how many times throughout the Bible specificity is used. Jesus often tells people to do things right now, or gives them exact instructions. Making vague goals like “pay off debt” or “redecorate the house” are going to be hard to stick to, since you don’t know what that may look like. Take a note from Jesus and try to get extra specific with your goals. Using SMART goals is a great acronym to help you make plans you’ll actually follow through on. SMART goals are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely. So instead of saying you want to “pay off debt”, consider making your goal something like I want to pay off $20,000 worth of debt by December 31 of next year because Proverbs tells me the borrower is the slave of the lender.
Connect Your Goals with the Bible
Is there a goal that you’ve had a hard time sticking with? Maybe you’ve been trying for years to get healthy, but you always struggle to remember even the simplest of tasks, like drinking more water. You may need to connect deeper to the why behind your goal. Wanting to weigh the same you did in college isn’t going to be very motivating. Wanting to live long enough to play on the floor with your grandchildren is! By meditating on specific scripture verses that really speak to you, you’ll be able to resonate with your why and have a much better chance at actually sticking with your goals. Maybe you need to lean on Jesus telling Peter to be not afraid, or Mary proclaiming the goodness of God. No matter which verse has been written on your heart this year, it’s written there for a reason. Instead of choosing a word of the year, consider choosing a scripture verse of the year that’s going to be your guiding light through the unpredictable ups and downs of the next 365 days.
Incorporate the Bible in Your Goals
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of making sure one of your actual goals is scripture-oriented. Staying connected to the word of God is one of the best ways to make sure your plans actually come to fruition and will help you reevaluate along the way. Who knows—we may have another global pandemic right around the corner. Staying immersed in the Bible will allow you to constantly be re-checking your goals and making sure you’re still aligned with them. This doesn’t have to be some sort of massive mountain; although some people love reading the entire bible in a year, that may not be a prudent decision for you. Something as small as five minutes a day will add up throughout the course of the year. The Catholic Church makes it even easier for us by giving us daily readings if we so choose! Remember, we are always just works in progress and the goal is not perfection. As Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent surely lead to abundance.”