5 Practical Ways to Abide in Christ in the New Year

Abide is my word for the New Year. But how can we practically abide in Christ in the New Year?

Every December, I begin praying about my “Word of the Year”—a theme the Lord impresses on my heart for the coming season. Some years it comes quietly; other years it arrives with unmistakable clarity. This year… it was unmistakable. ABIDE. A simple word. A steady word. A necessary word.

And it comes straight from the heart of Jesus Himself: “Abide in Me, and I in you… Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing… As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1–11

I’ve read this passage dozens of times, maybe hundreds, but this year it landed differently—like an invitation I don’t want to miss. Not a command meant to burden. Not a rule meant to restrict. But an invitation to stay. To stay near. To stay connected. To stay nourished. To stay loved. To ABIDE.

And friend… in a world that constantly pulls us away, abiding is more countercultural—and more necessary—than ever.

What Does It Actually Mean to Abide?

The Greek word Jesus uses for abide is meno — to remain, to stay, to dwell, to continue in.

Abiding is not achieving. It’s not earning. It’s not striving for God’s approval. Abiding is staying where He already placed you — in His love. But practically, what does that look like in real life? How do we actually abide in the New Year—in the rushing, the responsibilities, the griefs, the distractions, the daily noise?

​Let’s get very practical. 

Here Are 5 Ways to Abide in Christ in the New Year:

1. Abide Through His Word
   Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…” (John 15:7). His Word is our lifeline — the nourishment that keeps us attached to the Vine. Not rushed. Not surface-level. But daily, intentional, slow Scripture engagement. God’s Word stabilizes our emotions, strengthens our faith, and sanctifies our thinking. This is why I’ve poured so much prayer and heart into creating new Scripture Writing resources for you this year. More on that in a moment. 
   
   
2. Abide Through Prayer
   Abiding means turning our hearts toward God again and again through the day:
   “Lord, be near.”
   “Lord, guide me.”
   “Lord, calm me.”
   “Lord, change me.”
   “Lord, help me trust You here.”
   Prayer is less about long speeches and more about ongoing connection. It’s oxygen for the weary soul.
   
   
3. Abide Through Obedience
   Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…” (John 15:10). Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about willingness. It’s saying: “Lord, if You reveal it, I’ll surrender it. If You command it, I’ll obey it. If You call me to it, I’ll walk in it.” Obedience is the fruit of abiding.
   
   
4. Abide Through Surrender
   A branch doesn’t control the vine. A branch doesn’t dictate the process. A branch doesn’t resist pruning. Friend, pruning is painful—but it’s purposeful. Jesus said the Father prunes every fruitful branch so it will bear more fruit (John 15:2). Abiding means trusting the Gardener, even when the pruning feels sharp.
   
   
5. Abide Through Rest
   Abiding is not frantic or forced. Abiding is restful dependence. It’s letting Christ carry the weight. It’s trusting His provision. It’s allowing His peace to settle your heart. You don’t abide by trying harder. You abide by staying closer.

A Beautiful Way to Abide in the New Year

Introducing three brand new Scripture Writing Plans. I have been waiting so long to share this with you — and today is finally the day! After months of praying, writing, designing, and studying through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation… ALL THREE brand new 12-month Scripture Writing Plans are officially here!

Each plan moves through the entire Bible in a year, one verse at a time. Each plan was created to help you abide through daily Scripture engagement.

Let me introduce them to you…​

Rooted in His Redemption
Trace the breathtaking story of God’s rescue, restoration, and redeeming love—one verse at a time. If you want to understand the storyline of Scripture—if you want to see God’s mercy woven from Genesis to Revelation—this plan will walk you there.

Renewed by His Promises
Be strengthened and refreshed daily as you write the promises of the God who keeps every word He speaks. If you feel weary… if life has been shaky… if you need hope spoken over your heart each morning… This plan will steady you.

Resting on His Character
Experience peace and confidence as you behold God’s unchanging heart through the whole of Scripture. If you long to know God more intimately—His Father-heart, His faithfulness, His strength, His nearness—this plan will draw you close.

Two Beautiful Formats to Choose From

Printable PDFs on Etsy
Perfect for binders, journaling, or integrating into your quiet time setup.

Full-color books on Amazon
Professionally printed, gorgeous, and ideal for morning devotions or gifting.

Why These Plans Help You ABIDE

Because abiding takes intentionality. It takes slowing down. It takes Scripture—in front of our eyes and written by our hands.

Writing Scripture is not passive. It imprints truth on the heart. It quiets your mind and focuses your soul. It aligns your day with God’s voice first.

If you want to abide in Christ in the New Year… if you want His joy to be in you… if you want your joy to be full… these Scripture Writing Plans are for you.

Let’s write His Word together. Let’s root ourselves deeply in His love. Let’s ABIDE—fully, intentionally, beautifully—in the New Year. Your journey begins here.

​What would change in your life this coming year if you chose—not to strive—but to abide deeply and daily in the love of Christ?