It's hard to believe, but soon 2016 will be over and 2017 will begin. With each new year, we tend to reflect on the past as well as look to the future and consider the ways we can make it better. It's a time when people make resolutions and take the changing of years as the perfect time for a fresh start - it's safe to say that many people are ready to say good-bye to 2016.

And although making a fresh start with resolutions can be nice (although really, who ever sticks to them?) an even better way to start off the new year is by remembering that no matter what this new year will bring, God is in control. So, here are 11 Bible verses to read and keep in mind as we say hello to 2017.

1. James 1:2-4

2) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2. Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3. Jeremiah 29:11-13

11) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12) Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

4. Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

5. Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

6. Romans 8:31

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

7. Matthew 7:7-11

7) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8) For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9) “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10) Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11) If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

8. Romans 8:38-39

38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

9. 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

10. Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

11. Philippians 4:12-14

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.