It’s already a new year?! 2026! I can hardly believe it! It seems as though we were all just ringing in the new year of 2025. I think I have a complicated relationship with New Year’s. I think it tends to be one of those “truths in tension,” as my friend calls it.
I love getting a new planner and wall calendar. I love looking forward to the events and gatherings to come, new friends to be made, and new dreams to be dreamed and realized. New years are filled with infinite possibilities and high levels of hope. Sounds great, right?
So here is where the tension lies: all of those aspects of a new year are exciting, but there is also something about a new year that brings a tinge of regret. I reflect on the past year and regret some of the things I did and didn’t do, dreams yet to be accomplished, words spoken and unspoken.
For me, 2025 was a whirlwind of highs and lows. Life took me for a ride. Tighter budgets, health challenges, traveling, pursuing my passions, church life, gaining friends, and losing them. See? It’s a lot. And that’s not even including all of the world events we’ve all been walking through together.
My walk with the Lord has also had its fair share of ups and downs . . . seasons of intimacy and seasons of wilderness and everything in between. I’m sure many of you have faced trials, hardships, successes, and wins. Joys and sorrows often transpire hand in hand.
Over the final weeks of 2025, God shifted my perspective. I want this new year to be different. I don’t want to walk in regret or lament over all of the disappointments. I want to stand upon the firm foundation of His truth and promises. I want to learn, grow, and be refined. I want to see this past year through His viewpoint and with the hope that only Jesus brings.
I often forget that with every rise of the sun and every turn of a calendar year, our God is the same. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. He never fails. He never wavers.
When the chaos of life surrounds us, God is the sure and steadfast anchor of our souls. He is our solid rock when the storms of life rage around us. He is our strong tower of protection against the enemy.
When the world and people promise to deliver but fall short, He never does. He is faithful to keep His covenant promises. He does not lie and is true to His Word.
One of my favorite verses about God’s faithfulness is found in 2 Timothy 2:12-13. Here we find a few of God’s responses to our actions. If we do this, then God will do that. Verse 13 is the best news for us in our flawed humanity: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful — for He cannot deny Himself.”
Everything about the nature and activity of God is faithful. Faithful is who He is and what He does. Our goal should be to live lives pleasing and acceptable to a Holy God. But, when we are prone to wander away, He is faithful to pursue us. When we fall into or choose to sin, He is faithful to hear our confession and lavish us with His forgiveness.
Jesus is called Faithful and True according to Revelation 19:11. His faithfulness never depends on us or our circumstances. His faithfulness is attached to His character — not ours. Oh, what beautiful news for us, His daughters. We don’t have to strive for God to be faithful to us. We get to rest in who He loves being to us.
I am trusting in our good and faithful Father this year. He is the faithful One that can redeem any situation and mend all things broken. He restores our hope. How great is His faithfulness!
Is the new year filling you with regret or hope? How do you need God to show Himself faithful to you?
2025 was a year of learning to lean more into God’s faithfulness as a infection robbed my sight. I praise Him He restored some of my sight yet what was not restored has changed our life dramatically. I miss my job & driving ng & being able to run errands by myself. I miss being able to accurately read measurements for cooking & baking. I miss being able to see the ball on TV football, basketball, tennis & baseball games. I could go on but that makes it about me. I so want my life to be about God’s very real & tangible faithfulness to our family through this drastic change in my dependence on Him & others. I will be telling my story to women in our church in a few week & I’m praying the attendees only see Jesus & not Ruth! Blessings (((0)))
Ruth, dear sister, I’m so thankful that some of your sight has been restored. I’m praying for full recovery. But I trust that in sickness and in health, you will glorify Him and be a blessing to others.
I have also suffered some health issues this past year that left me dependent on others and unable to do the things I love to do. I’m getting better, but my husband will continue to get worse. This is a hard stage of life, but I’m thankful for the peace that only Jesus gives.
Amen, Only Jesus! (((0)))
Thank you Ruth for sharing! Praying for supernatural healing. May He sharpen your vision in the Spirit to see what He’s doing in the earth so you can partner with Him. May He receive all of the glory!
Thank you for this beautiful encouragement! Yes, life has its highs and it’s lows, BUT GOD! So often, in the midst of the heartache and chaos God shows up! We serve the God of Hope. Have a beautiful day! Hugs and prayers ❤️
Thank you Terry for reading and sharing! God is so good and faithful!
My favorite hymn is “Great Is His Faithfulness”! Thank you for more Scripture Verses to reiterate just how FAITHFUL our Father is….
I can relate to truth and tension, regrets and dreams. Good stuff–even the title! Real, not preachy. You direct us, like a compass, pointing us to the Faithful One.
Karina,
We can live with regret over things done & not done. We can choose to start a new. Each day His mercies are new. The new year is like a fresh start. Forget the past, It is behind us. Start making plans for a better you in 2026. Turn to God more this year. Use drive time to pray & praise God. He will anchor you & guide your steps.
Blessings 🙂