The beginning of a new year is more than a chance to start over—it’s an opportunity to draw closer to God. When life is busy and loud, we need rhythms and resources that re-center us in his presence.
Whether you’re looking for daily habits, classic wisdom, or fresh tools, here are seven resources to help you experience God in deeper ways this year.
What it is: A Christian classic written by a 17th-century monk who learned to turn ordinary moments into encounters with God.
Why I like it: Brother Lawrence shows that God isn’t only found in worship services—he’s found in washing dishes, walking through the marketplace, and every mundane moment. This short book reminds me that experiencing God doesn’t require special circumstances, only a heart that turns to him again and again and again.
Where it gets hard: Its old style can feel simple to the point of repetition—but maybe that’s the point. Practicing God’s presence isn’t complicated. It’s faithful repetition.
Check it out: Amazon | Christianbooks
What it is: A practical guide to managing anxiety and expectations in ministry and everyday life.
Why I like it: Cuss gives tools to recognize when unhealthy expectations are pulling me away from God’s presence. He doesn’t just offer theories, he equips us with practices to surrender control and experience God’s peace in the tension of daily life.
Where it gets hard: You’ll want to apply it, not just read it. The hard work is stopping in real time and choosing God’s presence over anxiety.
Check it out: Amazon | Christianbooks
What it is: The historic statement of Christian belief, crafted in the 4th century and still recited by churches worldwide.
Why I like it: This creed connects me to centuries of Christians who confessed the same God I worship today. Saying “I believe” reminds me that faith is personal and communal and that experiencing God happens in the context of his people across time and place.
Where it gets hard: It’s short. Instead of rushing through, you’ll need to slow down, pray through each line, and let its truths sink in.
Check it out: the Nicene Creed
What it is: A seven-book fantasy series filled with biblical imagery, written to delight children and adults. (This might offend some Narnia diehards, but if you’re like me and have only seen the movies, I would start with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.)
Why I like it: Few resources stir my imagination for God’s presence like Narnia. Lewis makes the invisible God visible through story, helping us see Jesus afresh through the character of Aslan. Sometimes, a story gets past our defenses better than a sermon.
Where it gets hard: It’s easy to relegate Narnia to “kids’ books.” But even if you come with adult questions, you’ll still find profound spiritual insight.
Check it out: Amazon | Christianbooks
What it is: A Bible memorization app that helps you internalize scripture through repetition and creative engagement. It’s pretty much Duolingo for the Bible.
Why I like it: Experiencing God often comes through recalling his word in the moment. Versify gives me a practical way to get scripture off the page and into my heart and mind.
Where it gets hard: Like any app, consistency is the challenge. It works if you work it.
Check it out: More Information | App Store | Google Play
What it is: Go on a walk. Sit on a park bench. Watch the sunset. Step outside and let creation remind you of the Creator.
Why I like it: Scripture is full of people encountering God outdoors—Moses at the burning bush, Elijah on the mountain, Jesus in the garden. Nature slows me down and reawakens my senses to God’s presence. A quiet walk often clears my head better than a dozen books or podcasts.
Where it gets hard: It requires intentionality. My default is to stay inside, tethered to my phone or computer. And even when I do go outside, it’s easy to keep moving quickly instead of being still enough to notice God’s handiwork.
What it is: A weekly email designed to help you follow Jesus all week long. Each Monday morning, the NJS newsletter lands in your inbox with biblically rooted encouragement for daily discipleship. Think of it as Sunday’s best, delivered fresh for Monday.
Why I like it: It’s a soul-refreshing reset. In just a few minutes, you get practical encouragement that connects faith to the everyday—work, family, friendships, even the mundane routines of life. It helps me experience the beauty and joy of a Not Just Sunday kind of faith.
Where it gets hard: Like all email, it can be easy to skim or skip. The real challenge is to slow down, read it prayerfully, and let those truths shape the rest of your week.
Check it out: Subscribe
These seven resources span centuries, genres, and styles, but they share a single aim: helping you experience God's presence. Start small, pick one or two, and let 2026 be a year not of frantic activity but of deep encounter.