John 8:31-32
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

What a great verse to start a New Year.
There are several things to note that truly makes this verse become a top verse of the year.

Abide!
That means to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy. To truly be a disciple of Christ means staying in the word. You cannot read it once and go about your life. God expects you to dwell inside His word every day!

Know the truth!
Jesus declares His word is true and His witness to this is the Father. (John 8:14-18)
Truth is often clouded by falsehood, pseudo-truth, and lies. There is but one truth but many falsehoods against it.
When you know God’s word, you know the truth. However, you cannot allow your own presuppositions, biases, prejudices, and ideas to intrude on the truth. God’s truth must become your truth.

The truth shall make you free!
Freedom is a great value to us American’s. We cherish it so much we incorporated it into our Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Yet, Jesus spoke these words in a time of Roman oppression of Jewish people. They were not free. Freedom is not wrapped up in the American idea of freedom. It is defined by the words of Jesus.
If you allow it, here is what Jesus will free you from this year.
Sin, fear, anger, jealousy, envy, oppression, narcissism, pride, self-destruction, hate, holding grudges, self-righteousness, sexual immorality of all types, pity, racism, bias, and prejudice. The list is even more extensive but those are sufficient for the purpose.

If you really want a better year then live in His word, know the truth, and allow it to set you free!