8 Worship Songs For New Beginnings (Leaving The Past Behind)

Whether it is the start of a New Year, a baptism Sunday, or a season of spiritual renewal, the church constantly needs to be reminded that God is in the business of new things. Isaiah 43:18-19 commands us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

Worship songs about new beginnings help us close the door on shame, regret, and old habits. They allow the congregation to pivot from looking backward to looking forward, stepping into the future with holy confidence that the best is yet to come.

Why These Songs Shift The Atmosphere

We selected these songs because:

  • They are decisive. The lyrics draw a line in the sand, choosing faith over fear and the future over the past.
  • They affirm identity. A fresh start begins with knowing who you are. These songs solidify our identity as children of God.
  • They are hopeful. They paint a bright picture of what God has in store, which is essential for people walking through transition.

8 Songs To Turn The Page

  1. Goodbye Yesterday – This song is the ultimate anthem for leaving the past behind. With the lyric “I’m saying goodbye to yesterday, I’m saying hello to tomorrow,” it gives people a practical vocabulary for moving on.
  2. Made For More – “I wasn’t made to be tending a grave, I was called by name.” This song is a declaration of purpose. It reminds us that we are not defined by our past failures but by our future calling.
  3. Good Plans – Fear of the unknown often paralyzes us at the start of something new. This song acts as a roadmap, assuring the church that God’s plans are good, protecting us from the anxiety of “what if.”
  4. Glorious Day – The imagery of running out of the grave and leaving the “heavy weight” behind makes this high-energy track perfect for celebrating a fresh start. It is pure freedom set to music.
  5. I Thank God – Every new beginning starts with a rescue. This testimony song celebrates the moment God “picked me up and turned me around,” setting the trajectory for a new life.
  6. Firm Foundation (He Won’t) – If you are starting over, you need to build on something that lasts. This song encourages us to build our “new house” on the Rock of Christ so it can withstand the storms to come.
  7. Who You Say I Am – “I am chosen, not forsaken.” Leaving the past often means silencing the old voices of rejection. This song replaces those lies with the truth of who we are in the Father’s house.
  8. This Is Amazing Grace – “You make everything new.” This song celebrates the King of Glory who shakes the foundations and leaves us in awe of His restoring power.

Example Setlists For A Fresh Start

Setlist 1 (Hello Tomorrow)

  1. Goodbye Yesterday – Sets a joyful, decisive tone for the service.
  2. Made For More – Deepens the focus on calling and purpose.
  3. Good Plans – Ends with a promise of God’s future goodness.

Setlist 2 (New Creation)

  1. Glorious Day – Celebrates the joy of walking out of the old life.
  2. Firm Foundation (He Won’t) – Commits to building the future on Jesus.
  3. Who You Say I Am – Seals the set with a declaration of identity.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Use them for New Year’s. The first Sunday of January is the most obvious time, but these songs work whenever you start a new sermon series or season of ministry.
  • Celebrate recovery. These lyrics are anthems for anyone celebrating sobriety or freedom from addiction. Use them to honor the hard work of recovery.
  • Encourage testimonies. Before singing I Thank God, ask someone to share a brief story of how God gave them a second chance. It puts flesh on the lyrics.

Next Steps

Everyone loves a fresh start. This Sunday, use Goodbye Yesterday or Made For More to invite your congregation to drop the baggage of their past and step into the freedom of God’s “new thing.”

By Michaela Bishop, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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