Thrive in ’25 – a Fresh Start and Renewed Optimism!

I’m a tabula rosa junky. I’m addicted to the clean slate – to the fresh start – which makes January 1 among my favorite days of the year!

Happy new year, kind friend, here we are at 2025. A new year, a clean slate, a fresh start—a chance to put the old year behind us and look ahead with renewed optimism and hope. There’s just something about January 1st that feels like an invitation to do better, be better, and maybe, just maybe, finally stick to those resolutions (or at least make it past week two this time). I have to – my pants are shrinking.

For me, this year feels different. There is a changing attitude both nationally and locally – one of excitement and expectation – one of hopefulness. In my prayer and quiet time leading up to today, I believe God placed a word – well, a phrase, actually – on my heart: Thrive in ’25. Not just survive, not just get by, but truly thrive—in every area of life. That’s my mission for 2025, and I hope you’ll join me: Thrive in ’25.

I’m not talking about some empty, feel-good mantra or a fleeting New Year’s resolution. This is a call to live out the full, abundant life that God created us for. It’s about thriving personally, professionally, spiritually, financially, and in our relationships. It’s about stepping into the plans and purposes God has for us and trusting that He’ll guide us every step of the way.

A Fresh Start

The idea of a fresh start isn’t new—it’s biblical.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

That’s divine Tabula Rosa, baby. I love it when there is an exclamation point in scripture! Through Jesus, we’re not just patched up or polished over—we’re made brand new. Every sin, every failure, every regret—it’s wiped clean. And just like the New Year offers a chance to begin again, Jesus offers that every single day.

God is in the business of fresh starts.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23

New mercies every morning. A Tabula Rosa today, tomorrow, and for all time. That is good news for thriving in ’25 (and ’26, and ’27, and ’28…)

God’s Desire for Us to Thrive

Look, I’m guilty. I get stuck in the mud and the much and the mire with the best of them. My mindset becomes one of survival – just making it through the day. Pay the bills, go to work, repeat. “Leaving three tracks in the sand,” as my grandfather used to say (because my ass is dragging. Get it?! It’s no fun when you have to explain it). But three tracks and a bottomed-out butt are not on God’s game plan for us.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Jesus, in John 10:10

Jesus didn’t say easy. He didn’t say flawless or perfect or mega-fine. (If you had an easy or flawless or mega-fine 2024, please share your secrets in the comments below). What JC did says it that with God, we can live a life that’s rich in purpose, joy, and peace—even in the hard times. We can thrive!

And then there is that fan-favorite scripture…

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

I love that scriptural sweetness like everyone else, but have you read the rest of Jeremiah? ooff. Let me take a stab at Biblical interpretation: Prosper here isn’t just about extra jingle in your 401K—it’s about thriving in every sense of the word. It’s about becoming the person God created you to be, and using the gifts He’s given you to make a difference.

I don’t know about you, but God has given me amazing gifts that I come nowhere close to deserving. In 2025, I’m using them to their fullest and to His glory.

Thriving in Every Area of Life

So what does it mean to thrive in 2025? Here’s how I’m breaking it down:

1. Spiritually: Make time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. God wants us to draw close to Him, and when we do, He transforms us from the inside out.
2. Personally: Take care of your health—physical, mental, and emotional. Don’t neglect yourself while trying to pay the bills and take care of everyone else.
3. Professionally: Whether you’re working for a paycheck or a purpose (or both), work as if you’re working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23, anyone?). Pursue excellence and integrity.
4. Financially: Be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you. Budget, save, give, and invest wisely.
5. Relationally: Build stronger connections with family, friends, and your community. Love, forgive, and show up for the people who matter most.

Let’s Thrive in ’25 Together

Bottom line: thriving isn’t something we can do on our own. We need God’s guidance, strength, and grace. And we need each other. As we blank slate our way into this new year, let’s encourage one another, pray for one another, and hold each other accountable to live the abundant lives God has called us to. If you’re interested, drop me a note. Perhaps we should form a group to support one another.

So here’s my challenge to me (and you, if you choose to accept – no self-destructing tapes ahead): Don’t settle for surviving in 2025. Thrive. Set goals, chase dreams, and trust that God will meet you there. Remember, He’s not just the God of new beginnings—He’s the God who helps us finish well.

Let’s make 2025 the year we stop making excuses and start living the life we were created for. Let’s Thrive in ’25.

Happy New Year, my friend. Let’s make it one for the books.