Today’s daily devotional for women is on Start the Year with Scriptures. The text is from Joshua 1:8 and it is a call for women to get precepts for their lives and the year from the Word of God.

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button in our spiritual lives. The start of a new year can feel like a fresh start in so many areas, and that includes our walk with God. One of the best things we can do to start the year off right is to get into the Bible.

Scripture is not just a book; it’s the living Word of God that speaks directly to our hearts, gives us wisdom, and helps guide us through life. Starting the year with Scripture helps set a strong foundation for everything else. When you take time to read, reflect, and meditate on God’s Word, you’re setting yourself up for a year filled with His guidance, peace, and direction.

But how do we do this? Where do we start? Sometimes the Bible can feel overwhelming because it’s so big, and there’s so much to choose from. But don’t worry—starting fresh doesn’t mean you have to read the whole Bible in a week. It’s about finding small, manageable ways to dive in and connect with God. Here’s a simple roadmap for Bible study to help you get started:

1. Pick a time: Find a quiet time in your day where you can focus. Maybe it’s in the morning before everything gets busy, or at night before bed. Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, make it a habit.
2. Start with a book or topic: You don’t have to start at the very beginning of the Bible. You can start with a book that speaks to you. Some great places to start are Psalms (for encouragement), Proverbs (for wisdom), or the Gospels like Matthew or John (to learn more about Jesus). You could also study a specific topic like prayer, peace, or faith.
3. Read and reflect: Read a passage of Scripture and think about it. What is God saying to you through those words? How does it apply to your life right now? Journaling about your thoughts can help you process what you read.
4. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, look it up, or ask a friend or a mentor. The more you ask, the more you’ll grow in understanding.

But here’s the thing: Bible study isn’t just about reading and knowing more about God. It’s about being willing to obey what God is saying to you. You see, the Bible is not just a book for knowledge. It’s a guide for life. It’s meant to change the way you live. When you study Scripture, you don’t just want to fill your head with facts—you want to let those words change your heart and your actions.

It’s one thing to read about love, but it’s another to actually love others as Jesus taught. It’s one thing to read about peace, but it’s another to live in peace when things get tough. Scripture isn’t meant to be just information; it’s meant to be transformation. Are you willing to let what you read change you? Are you ready to live out God’s Word and follow His instructions, even when it’s hard? That’s where the real growth happens.

As you start fresh with Scripture this year, remember that the goal is not just to read, but to obey. Allow God’s Word to work in your life and guide you into becoming the woman He created you to be.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your Word, which is full of wisdom, guidance, and love. As I start this new year, help me to dive into Your Scripture with an open heart. Give me the desire to not only read Your Word but also to obey it. Help me to apply what I learn to my life and to grow in my relationship with You. May this year be filled with Your peace, purpose, and direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.