Stepping into 2026 with Grace

New year, new zeal? For many, it doesn’t feel that way at all. Life doesn’t suddenly change overnight. It was 2025 last week, and today is 2026 — and for most of us, the world looks much the same. If you’re not feeling a rush of excitement, you’re not alone.

The pressure to “start fresh” can feel overwhelming when life is still carrying the same responsibilities, struggles, and unanswered questions. So as we step into this new year, here is a gentle encouragement: draw closer to God.

I have found that in His presence are the answers to every situation I face — even the ones that leave me tired, restless, or unsure. God has the answer for everything. No one knows you more intimately or understands your heart more deeply than He does.

Instead of striving to change everything about your life — to be better, do more, or become more — consider choosing one simple thing this year: spend more time with Him. One word from God can shift a heart, bring clarity, and change the direction of a life. His words carry power, and He knows exactly how to lead you forward — not one step ahead and two steps back, but steady and sure.

God knows how to handle every situation and every person you will encounter. He is gentle, faithful, and wise, and He has all the answers.

Even now, He is knocking on the door of your heart, inviting you to let Him in. He wants to help you. He wants to walk with you.

Make it your goal this year to draw closer to the One who loves you and cares for you so deeply. You will never regret leaning into His presence.

Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us:

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do something new; Now it shall spring forth—shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

I especially love how it reads in The Passion Translation:

Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now, it sprouts, grows, and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert.

I believe with you that this will be your best year ever. That your unanswered prayer will be answered this year!

A Closing Prayer

Lord, as we step into this new year, we come just as we are — weary, hopeful, uncertain, and trusting. Help us to release the weight of the past and the pressure to have everything figured out. Draw our hearts closer to You. Speak Your Word into our lives and guide our steps with Your peace. Where the road feels unclear, make a way where there doesn't seem to be one. Where our hearts feel dry, let Your living water flow again. Enlarge our hearts to receive the promises from your Word. We place this year into Your loving hands, trusting You to lead us, one step at a time.

In Jesus name

Amen.

P.S. 🌿 For more encouragement and heart-refreshing moments, you might enjoy my books.

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