How to Pray When Starting Something New: 5 Day Devotional
This 5 day devotional is designed to help you deeply connect with the truths in Joshua 1:1-9 as you navigate new beginnings. Each day offers Scripture, meaningful reflection, and opportunities to pray and journal. Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to immerse yourself in God’s Word and draw closer to Him. Let His presence, promises, and guidance bring clarity and courage for your journey.
This devotional is based off the sermon “How to Pray When Starting Something New” on 1/5/2025.
DAY 1: Stepping Into the Unknown
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
REFLECTION
New beginnings can be thrilling yet terrifying. Like standing on the edge of a cliff, you may feel exhilarated by the possibilities but paralyzed by the unknown. Joshua felt this as he stepped into Moses's role, tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land. God didn’t give him a detailed map or a clear view of every obstacle. Instead, He gave him a command: “Be strong and courageous.” Why? Because Joshua wasn’t stepping into the unknown alone—God’s presence was with him every step of the way.
Here’s the deeper truth: Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the presence of faith. God’s command to be courageous wasn’t a suggestion—it was rooted in the promise of His unwavering presence. When you remember that the Creator of the universe walks beside you, the unknown becomes less daunting. You don’t have to have all the answers because you know the One who does.
CHALLENGE
Reflect on one fear or uncertainty about your new beginning. Write it down and surrender it to God, trusting that He will be with you.
PRAYER
Lord, I confess that the unknown often feels overwhelming. Help me to trust that You are with me in every step. Give me strength and courage to walk forward, knowing I am never alone. Amen.
JOURNAL
What are the biggest uncertainties you’re facing right now? How does God’s promise to be with you reshape your perspective on those challenges?
DAY 2: God Goes Before You
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:3
"I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses."
REFLECTION
Have you ever felt unprepared for what lies ahead? Joshua likely did. The task before him—leading an entire nation into the Promised Land—was monumental. Yet, God reassured him with this incredible promise: “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” Before Joshua even began, God had already prepared the way.
This reminds us that God is not only with us; He goes before us. He knows the terrain ahead—the challenges, victories, and moments of uncertainty. While you may feel like you’re stepping into uncharted territory, God is already there, working on your behalf.
Here’s the life-changing realization: You’re not walking blindly into the future. Every step you take is onto ground that God has already prepared for His purposes. When you trust that He’s gone ahead, you can step forward with confidence, even when you don’t have all the answers.
CHALLENGE
Take a moment to think about a time when you saw God’s hand at work in your past. Write it down and thank Him for how He is already preparing your future.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for going before me. I may not see the full picture, but I trust that You are already at work in this new beginning. Help me to walk in faith, knowing You have prepared the way. Amen.
JOURNAL
What specific ways has God shown His faithfulness in your life? How can remembering those moments encourage you to trust Him with what’s ahead?
DAY 3: Strength in God’s Word
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:8
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
REFLECTION
In the face of new beginnings, our natural instinct is often to strategize, plan, or rely on our own understanding. But God’s advice to Joshua was different: Meditate on His Word day and night. Success wasn’t about Joshua’s ability to lead but about his willingness to listen to and follow God’s guidance.
God’s Word is more than just advice—it’s your foundation. It equips you with wisdom, strengthens your faith, and aligns your heart with His will. When you saturate your mind with Scripture, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re allowing God to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Here’s the deeper insight: Success isn’t measured by worldly standards; it’s found in faithful obedience to God’s Word. As you start this new season, let His Word be your guide, and trust that He will lead you step by step.
CHALLENGE
Choose one verse from today’s Scripture and commit to memorizing it. Repeat it throughout the day, allowing it to sink into your heart and guide your decisions.
PRAYER
Lord, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Help me to meditate on it daily and to let it guide me in every decision I make. Amen.
JOURNAL
What specific Scripture can you hold onto in this season? How can you make time daily to reflect on God’s Word?
DAY 4: Courage to Obey
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:7
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."
REFLECTION
Obedience often requires courage. For Joshua, leading the Israelites meant more than just strategizing—it meant aligning his every decision with God’s commands. God’s call to obedience wasn’t optional; it was essential to his success.
In your own life, obedience may require surrendering your plans, stepping out in faith, or trusting God’s timing over your own. It’s not always easy, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain. But here’s the truth: Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about trust. When you align your life with God’s Word, you’re not just following rules; you’re stepping into His best for you.
The challenge is this: Are you willing to trust that God’s ways are better than yours, even when they don’t make sense? Courage to obey comes from believing that God’s plans are for your good and His glory.
CHALLENGE
Identify one area in your life where obedience feels challenging. Write it down and ask God for the courage to follow His lead, even when it’s hard.
PRAYER
Father, give me the courage to obey You fully. Help me to trust that Your ways are higher than mine and that following You leads to life and blessing. Amen.
JOURNAL
What is one area where you struggle with obedience? How can you take a step of faith this week to align with God’s Word?
DAY 5: Trusting God in the Outcome
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
REFLECTION
In a world that celebrates self-reliance, surrendering control feels counterintuitive. Yet, Proverbs reminds us that true success begins with committing our plans to the Lord. When you release your dreams, goals, and fears to God, you’re acknowledging that His ways are better than yours.
Joshua didn’t succeed because he had all the answers—he succeeded because he trusted God with the outcome. Your role is faithfulness in the present; God’s role is to establish the future. Trusting Him means letting go of the pressure to control everything and resting in the assurance that He is working for your good.
Here’s the powerful insight: Surrender isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a declaration of faith. When you trust God with the outcome, you’re free to focus on walking faithfully in the moment, knowing He holds the future.
CHALLENGE
Think about one goal or plan you’re pursuing in this new season. Write it down and commit it to God, asking Him to guide the outcome according to His will.
PRAYER
Lord, I release my plans and dreams to You. Teach me to trust You with the outcome and to walk faithfully in the steps You’ve prepared for me. Amen.
JOURNAL
What is one goal or dream you need to surrender to God? How does releasing control bring peace to your heart?