Ever tried walking while looking backwards? When we try it, we can’t move ahead as quickly, and we tend to wander off our path very easily. And it’s just the same with our spiritual life. Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

Are there any past successes that are still defining your identity and are actually holding you back from growing? Today, thank God for your past success, then ask Him to help you look forward to new successes to come.

‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!’ (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)

God doesn’t analyse our past in order to determine our future. So let's learn from the past, leave it, and don’t look back! Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

What are your plans, hopes, or resolutions for the year ahead? Take some time today to bring them all to God, get His involvement and wisdom on them, then commit every one to Him.

'Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

Pray for a full, exciting year ahead that has God firmly at the centre.

‘Let’s celebrate and be glad today’ (Psalm 118:24 CEV).

Each day is a gift from God. Next to our salvation, today is the most valuable gift we’ll ever receive. Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

As you go through the day, try to be aware of your joy level. If you’re doing something you don’t like, ask God to help you find glimpses of joy as you do it.

‘I am coming to you now. But I pray these things while I am still in the world so that these followers can have all of my joy in them’ (John 17:13 NCV).

Jesus spoke such powerful words about His desire for us to have joy - so we need not have any doubts that God wants us to be happy and fulfilled. Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

Whenever you start to think ‘It can’t be done’, try saying to yourself ‘Maybe it can be done if I get God involved.’

'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible' (Matthew 19:26 NLT).

Many things that are possible remain undone because of doubt and unbelief. So, this year, think ‘possible’, and trust God. Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

Is there a dream or a vision that you’ve given up on because you thought it was impossible? Have a chat with God about it and let His strength and wisdom fill you with confidence that, with His help and endorsement, it really is possible. 🙌

'Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him' (Hebrews 11:6 NCV).

Believing we can do something doesn’t necessarily guarantee that we will. But believing we can’t guarantees we won’t! So if we want to achieve something, let’s give ourselves permission to believe it’s possible, and trust God for the rest. Read more: ucb.co.uk/wordforyou

Talk to God about the dreams and plans He’s blessed you with for the year ahead. Ask Him to help you not be limited by doubts, but to dream as big as He does!