It’s a New Year

05 Jan It’s a New Year

January 4, 2026

It’s a New Year!

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Happy New Year, everyone!  Let’s get this new year started, not toiling at all, just flowing and resting in God’s plan for us this year.  Update prayer confessions and personal resolutions. Out with the old and in with the new, as they say, and the first days of a new year are a traditional starting point for many facets of life. But let’s add: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Out with the Old!

Do the annual review, write down the accomplishment, note the things that did not go well too and add any carry-overs/uncompleted items to this year’s list, asking God first what and where this one goes. Write this year’s goals. Also, make the necessary adjustments when and where necessary.  Move on from people, places, and things God has not ordained for this season.  It’s like Exodos, going out or a departure.  A couple of things to consider:

• Come out, stay out, and leave the habits and things that are not a part of this new year. Personally, and professionally. Philippians 3:13-14, 4:8
• Break the cycle of anything not favorable that you saw last year, the year before, etc, like they say, “You will repeat what you won’t repair.” Get spiritual /professional help if you need it. Ecclesiastes 1:3, Romans 12:2
• Don’t fight change where change is necessary.
• Spend time with God and get the strategy for your life (Everyday living can get in the way sometimes, and we lose sight of the path). Stay Focused. Remember, God knows who you are, where you are going, and what it will take to get you there. If you get off track, just revive and reset. Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

If it is not broken, don’t fix it!

1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC says, “ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

Stay with God, in the Word, pray often, give your tithes and offerings, go to church, hold fast to Biblical principles.  Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Always give thanks and give the glory and praise to God.  Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Keep Learning!

If you know processes and adjustments you have made are working and have continuously produced good results, why change?  However, don’t remain stagnant—keep learning. In a recent Harvard Business Review article called “Leaders, Bring Your Best Self into the New Year,” one recommendation was to “set one ignorance goal per month.” Just choose a new topic or skill, personal or professional, and learn it. This month, I am committed to learning more about and using AI, as well as one of the cooking appliances that has been sitting on my counter for months. Proverbs 1:5 NIV says, ” Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

Accountability!

We all need an accountability person(s), guidelines, and documents we can connect to or refer to regularly.  As believers, the Holy Spirit is the agent in the earth and will keep us accountable if we let Him. John 16:13 bears this out: “But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].” John 16:13 AMPC

When there is accountability in a place, it builds trust and fosters an environment where people/teams can respect and count on each other, and aren’t afraid to ask questions, especially when everyone does their part personally and professionally.  Where there is accountability, things flow. Romans 14:12” So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for allowing us to see a brand-new year, 2026. Keep us with you, Lord Jesus, increase us in You, deliver us in You. Bless the works of our hands in You, Lord Jesus. We are seeking first the kingdom of God and Your righteousness, this day and every day. We love you, Jesus, our Great High Priest. We decree that this year will be the best year ever. We give you glory, honor, and praise always in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Theresa Woodard