As we step into the new year, the word "flourish" stands out as a beacon of hope, ambition, and divine intention. To flourish is to thrive in every area of life: spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and materially. It is not merely about survival or maintaining the status quo but about embracing the fullness of life that God has designed for each of us. In a world riddled with challenges, flourishing is not an automatic outcome; it is a deliberate pursuit rooted in faith and sustained by action.
Flourishing Defined
Let me ask you something: Are you flourishing, or are you simply surviving? Psalm 92:12-14 declares,
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, and they will stay fresh and green."
What a powerful promise! Flourishing is a condition of fruitfulness, resilience, and vitality, regardless of external circumstances.
To flourish means to grow vigorously, to prosper in our endeavors, and to live a life marked by joy, peace, and purpose. It’s not just about getting by. It’s about thriving in God’s design for you. In 2025, flourishing requires us to align our lives with God’s principles, embrace growth, and be intentional about the choices we make.
The 3 Foundations of Flourishing
Now, if you want to flourish, you’ve got to get the foundation right. A shaky foundation can’t hold a growing tree, and the same goes for your life. Here’s where we start:
1. Rooted in God’s Word
The Bible says in Psalm 1:2-3, "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Are you rooted? Is God’s Word the source of your nourishment?
This year, make Scripture your anchor. Spend time in God’s Word every day. Don’t just skim it—meditate on it. Let it saturate your heart and mind. When we do, we’re like that tree planted by the water, flourishing no matter the season.
2. Cultivating Relationships
Flourishing is not a solo journey. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). You can’t flourish in isolation.
Think about the early church in Acts 2:42-47. They broke bread together, prayed together, and shared everything they had. That’s what a real community looks like. This year, invest in relationships. Be intentional about connecting with others. Support your family. Encourage your friends. Serve your church. When we do life together, we flourish together.
3. Embracing a Growth Mindset
Let’s be clear: Flourishing isn’t about staying where you are. It’s about pressing forward. Paul says in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Are you pressing on? Are you growing?
This year, challenge yourself. Learn something new. Step out in faith. Take that class, start that ministry, or apply for that job. Growth isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Every step forward is a step toward flourishing.
Overcoming 3 Barriers to Flourishing
Let’s be real: Flourishing isn’t automatic. There are barriers, and if we’re not careful, they’ll hold us back. Let’s talk about three big ones:
1. Fear and Doubt
Fear is a thief. It will rob you of the life God has for you. But 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." Don’t let fear paralyze you. This year, face your fears with faith. Trust God’s promises. Maybe you’re afraid to start that business or mend that broken relationship. Step out in faith, and watch God move.
2. Disconnection from Purpose
Proverbs 29:18 warns us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Have you lost sight of your purpose? Without purpose, flourishing is impossible. Ask God to reveal His vision for your life. Spend time in prayer and reflection. Align your daily actions with His purpose. When you walk in God’s purpose, flourishing follows naturally.
3. Neglecting Self-Care
Listen to this: Even Jesus rested. Luke 5:16 says, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." If Jesus needed rest, so do you. This year, take care of yourself. Set boundaries. Prioritize your health. And most importantly, nurture your relationship with God. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for flourishing.
4 Practical Steps to Flourish in the New Year
Let’s get practical. How do we flourish? Here are four steps:
1. Set Spirit-Led Goals
Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Write down your goals, but make sure they align with God’s will. Pray over them. Commit them to Him.
2. Invest in Others
Galatians 6:9-10 tells us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Serve others. Mentor someone. Volunteer. Flourishing isn’t just about you; it’s about blessing others.
3. Practice Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude changes everything. Start a gratitude journal. Thank God for His blessings daily.
4. Embrace Stewardship
Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us the parable of the talents. God expects us to steward what He’s given us. Manage your time wisely. Use your talents. Be generous with your resources. Stewardship leads to flourishing.
Flourishing in this year is not a passive state; it’s an active pursuit. It’s about planting yourself in God’s Word, growing in community, and stepping out in faith. It’s about breaking through barriers, serving others, and living with gratitude. Remember Jesus’ words in John 10:10:
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
That’s what flourishing is all about: living the full, abundant life God has for you. So, this year, don’t settle. Don’t hold back. Step into the life God has prepared for you. Flourish, and let your life be a testimony of His goodness and glory!
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Matthew Hamilton
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
