When I was younger, the New Year had always been something to anticipate and look forward to. As I grow older, this kind of tradition becomes less appealing as people get busier with many things. This year has presented us with numerous challenges, too. Politics, economy, disaster – name it. Many things have happened. Probably, many of us have grown tired of the cycle. So, it is not easy to hope for a better 2026.
Personally, 2025 marked one of the saddest years of my life when our mother unexpectedly passed away. This also contributes to my “not-so-looking forward to the new year” mindset.
But God reminded me that there are so many things that I can’t control. So, instead of being passive about what might happen this new year, I can still be hopeful.
How do we do that?
I listed 4 things that we can do to remain positive and hopeful despite the chaos around us.
1. Remember that God is always in control. It may sound cliché, but yes, God can do whatever He pleases, and everything is under His care. At times, control can be taken as negative, as it denotes submission and fear. Yet, when we fully understand that in Him, we are safe and need not worry because He cares for us and does not let us go astray, then its essence becomes sweet.
“Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.” Psalm 135:6-7
2. His Word can encourage our weary souls. It is expected that at some point in our lives, we will be discouraged. Disappointed. And hopeless. In these times, we are to tell ourselves that our strength comes from Him. He invites us to find rest in Him when we are overwhelmed with our affairs in this world. (Matthew 11:28-30).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26“
3. Find hope in His name. Whenever we find ourselves hopeless, look up. You see how vast the sky is, and He made it. Nothing is too big or hard for the Lord. Trust is the key and secret to finding hope in any unpleasant situation we may be in. He can let us see impossible things for His glory.
“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:7
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
4. Remember our purpose. It is an encouragement to know that we are still here and thus, it is not yet the end of our story. We are still alive for a purpose. And God can still work in our lives to fulfill His plan. This year gives a clean slate. We can still take the path that He intends us to take.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
There are so many lost souls that we still need to reach. And this keeps us being more focused on our purpose.
Remember, grace carried us through the year. And grace will take us through again this new year. Every time we say “we can’t,” God’s amazing grace is all that sustains us.
May you find yourself dependent on His grace as you embrace new opportunities, new challenges, and new lessons this coming year!
Happy New Year, dearest.
May the grace of God be upon you as you prepare for the New Year!
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