20 Encouraging Success Bible Verses About Achieving Goals

What Does the Bible Say About Setting Goals?

Raise your hand if every month or year you make a list of goals you want to accomplish then at the end of the month, you realize you have made little to no progress? Yup that’s been me! With the new year just around the corner. We all crave for that fresh start, and it got me thinking about what the Bible says about goal setting.

 

As I thought about the idea of goal setting, the story of Nehemiah in the Bible came to mind. In the book of Nehemiah, we read about the story of a man that bares the name of the title of the book.

 

In a conversation with a fellow brother that came from Judah, he learned that the Jews who escaped the captivity were in great distress and that the wall of Jerusalem was still in disrepair. When he heard this, he was greatly troubled.

 

Just like Nehemiah, God places desires on our hearts and will equip us for mission. All God requires is just willing vessels, willing to be used by him. What Nehemiah does next is such a game changer, he spent much time in prayer and fasting and claiming God’s promises.

 

If only we would spend more time in prayer and fasting and not just when we are in dire need of help. Truth bomb right here, perfect time to whip out that fancy highlighter and highlight that statement.

 

Next, God answers Nehemiah’s prayer and through an external party the King who sees him troubled one day sets him on course to accomplish his goal. Nehemiah didn’t blindly proceed, he thought of the hiccups that could arise and requested of the king letters to send to different regions that he might have a speedy passage.

 

The rebuilding of the wall wasn’t without hiccups as you will find out as you read along. Conspiracy isn’t a new thing after all. What did Solomon say, nothing new under the sun? The people continued to pray, and adjustments were made to the plan to achieve the goal as they went along. In the end, Nehemiah’s goal of seeing Jerusalem rebuilt was successful.

 

So, what can we learn from Nehemiah? Prayer and fasting is key and shouldn’t be and after thought. It’s also imperative that we have a plan to accomplish our goals and adjust along the way as needed.  

 

Success Bible Verses About Achieving Goals

Let’s explore some Bible verses about achieving goals as we prayerfully consider our spiritual goals for the new year. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about dreams and goals and the overarching theme. The following scriptures on visions and goals have all been taken from the King James Version.

 

Align Your Goals with God’s Word

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127:1

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 15:22

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

 

Bible Verses About Setting Goals

 There are no goals that are too big for God. Here are some additional Bible verses about setting goals that serves as a reminder that no goal is too big for God.

 

No Goal Is Too Big for God

 ” Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:4

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20

 

Bible Verses About Goals

The choices that we make today will either positively or negatively affect our eternal salvation, something to consider as we go about making goals. A great next step is also ensuring that we have sufficient plans to increase the possibility of being successful with our goals.

 

Your Choices Today Matter for Eternity

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

“Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” James 4:13-15

“Labour not for the meat which perished, but for that meat which endured unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6:27

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

 

Outline Steps to Achieve Your Goals

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke 14:28

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Biblical Keys for Goal Setting

Conduct A Goal Setting Life Audit

Think of it as spring cleaning for the soul, an opportunity for self-reflection and to identify what truly fuels you. First things first, you need to embrace a positive mindset. Goal setting isn’t simply just writing down your goals then you are done. Goal setting requires you to be proactive.

 

With the correct mindset and a little hard work, you will be blessed with amazing results. Prayerfully reflect on your desires God has been placing on your heart. Grab your favorite beverage, find a relaxing spot, listen to some calm relaxing music and let’s start dreaming.

 

This is the time, to give yourself permission to dream big, with no filters and definitely no negativity. I like to use this handy Spiritual Formation Assessment worksheet that helps to pinpoint the spiritual disciplines (spiritual health, Bible intake, prayer, community, journaling, stewardship, evangelism, fasting, solitude and Sabbath) that I could improve on.

 

Make A Plan for Your Goals

Once you have your goals written down, it’s time to develop a plan. As I mentioned earlier, there is no point in listing goals and not putting a plan in place. Prioritize your goals in order of importance from 1-5 and outline a plan to help you achieve them.

 

From my spiritual formation assessment, community and fellowship was the spiritual practice I could improve on. No shocker here as am extremely introverted. So, my plan is to organize various social events for the women in our church as the women’s ministry leader to build fellowship in our community.

 

Your plan does not have to be this audacious, depending on your goal, it could be as simple as inviting home a couple persons from your church to your home once a month.

 

If you have additional goals, make an additional list and store them as long-term goals for now. What’s great about this is that you can continually add to this list as new dreams come to mind for future goal planning.

 

Secure A Goal Setting Accountability Partner

Life is so much better when we share our dreams and accomplishments with others. Find an accountability partner that can keep you grounded on achieving your goals. This could be a group, friends, family, spouse or even a mentor. The key here is accountability.

 

As you start your goal setting process, prayerfully keep God at the center. Proverbs 16:9 N.I.V says, ” In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. ” We might have our own thoughts on what we want to accomplish but ultimately God has his purpose for our lives.

 

Scriptures on Goals

This month I challenge you to do goals differently. Review the scriptures on goals above and identify just one goal you would like to achieve next month. Yes, just one goal, then create a plan to achieve it.

 

If your goal is to grow in your relationship with God, I encourage you to consider reading the Bible chronologically in a year by order of events. Download a free chronological Bible reading plan that you can add to your favorite Bible study journal here!

 

Additional Articles You May Like:

How to Make and Keep Your Spiritual New Year Resolutions

A Simple and Realistic Way to Start Your Day with God

17 Impactful Bible Verses About Living Life With Purpose

20 Insightful Bible Verses About Planning to help You Plan for The Future