How to Hear God for Spiritual Resolutions

At the start of the New Year, secular and spiritual resolutions dominate conversations. What are you going to bring into 2026? What are you going to leave behind in 2025?

Self-reflection is a useful exercise, if we take the proper steps and don't listen to feelings of discouragement.

The Potential for Discouragement in Discernment

Today, people struggle with understanding their identity. Whether they're judging their looks, their success, their intelligence, or even their body, people can wonder "Who am I? Am I doing the right thing? Am I unloveable? What if I can't p out what God wants from me? Can I mess up God's plan?"

Moments like a new year can stir up these fears and make people focus on past failures, mistakes, and anxiety instead of the future and possibilities.

Moments of doubt are normal. But no matter how we feel, God loves us. God is in control.

Direction to Your Path from God

Once we can accept God's power, the question still remains: what do I do? How do I live this path?

God Himself knows and can offer the guidance you need, once you work on building a relationship with Him.

Ask yourself:

• Are you speaking to him daily in prayer?

• Are you reading the living Word of God in the Bible?

• Are you taking time in silence?

If you have established these daily practices, you are making yourself open to hearing God.

Seek Direction for Spiritual Resolutions

Relationships can also help us see what's going on. Sometimes, when we talk about our strengths, weaknesses, and plans out loud, we make connections we couldn't before.

A spiritual director can help you review your current prayer life and look ahead to 2026 and where God might be leading you this year. Strong spiritual resolutions begin with careful conversation with God.

God bless your 2026!

"Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."

-St. Catherine of Siena