As we leave 2025 behind and move into 2026, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the year we are leaving behind, and to start afresh in the New Year. The Bible reminds us that new beginnings are opportunities to let go of the past, embrace the newness of life in Christ, and trust in God’s purpose for our lives.
Letting Go of the Past
It’s not always easy to let go of the past. We tend to replay our past failures, mistakes, and regrets repeatedly. We often find ourselves thinking about the people who have hurt, betrayed, or mistreated us. We also think about those we may have hurt unintentionally — loved ones who no longer speak to us because of something we said or did that offended them — and the consequences we had to face because of poor choices we made.
We dwell on things we regret doing, the opportunities we missed because we did not want to step out of our comfort zone, and the risks we refused to take because we were too afraid to try. Our failures and past mistakes can keep us stuck. We develop a fear of failing again, so we avoid trying anything new. Because we made mistakes in the past, we can become paralysed, worrying about moving forward and afraid that we might repeat those same mistakes.
As we enter the New Year, we need to learn how to let go of the past and step out in faith. The Bible speaks clearly about this. In Isaiah 43:18–19, it is written:
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
In this verse, God reminds His people to stop dwelling on past mistakes, troubles, and failures because He is doing something new. We are encouraged to look towards God, focus on His promises, and meditate on His Word. God’s Word reassures us that He will take care of whatever we are going through and that He will make a way for us to move forward.
Jeremiah 29:11 also reminds us:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.”
God has good plans for us — plans that offer hope and a bright future.
Embracing a New Life in Christ
Let us step into the New Year by embracing a new life in Jesus Christ. This means repenting of our sins and surrendering our lives to Christ. It involves acknowledging our old ways and wrongdoing, which the Bible calls sin. We must turn away from sin and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and be our Lord and Saviour.
John 3:16 tells us:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
We must believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for our sins so that we would not perish but have eternal life.
Once you have submitted your life to Christ, you are called to put away your old way of life and embrace your new life in Him. Colossians 3:8–10 states:
“But now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
To “put off the old” means to turn away from sinful behaviours such as those listed in Colossians 3. To “put on the new” means embracing Christ-like virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Colossians 3:12–14 reminds us:
“Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.”
In addition, it is important to develop spiritual habits such as reading the Bible, praying daily, and giving thanks to God for His forgiveness and unconditional love. If you haven’t already done so, joining a church is also essential so that you can receive encouragement, accountability, and support from other believers in Christ.
Living out your faith is equally important. Jesus said:
“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).
We are called to love others just as Christ loves us and gave His life for us. Look for ways to serve people in your community and use your words to uplift and encourage those around you.
Trusting in God’s Plan for Our Lives
God tells us in the Bible that He has a plan for our lives, but those plans are revealed when we surrender control to Him. With His wisdom and guidance, He will lead us in the right direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 says:
“Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.”
When we trust God fully, He leads us onto the right path — one that leads to abundance and purpose.
Remember that God is always working for your good, even when you cannot see the results right away. Romans 8:28 assures us:
“And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.”
God works through every circumstance — both good and bad — to accomplish His eternal purpose in the lives of those who love Him. He is not only concerned with improving our situation but also with transforming us spiritually and drawing us closer to Him.
Waiting for God’s plan to unfold can be difficult, but patience is essential. Psalm 27:14 encourages us:
“Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let thy heart take courage; yea, wait thou for the Lord.”
While we wait, we are called to remain strong and courageous. God’s timing is perfect, and He knows exactly when to fulfil His promises. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We must therefore trust God and remain patient, believing that He will make everything beautiful in His time — even when the process feels slow.
Final Thoughts
As we step into 2026, let this be a year marked by faith, not fear. Release the burdens of the past, embrace the new life Christ offers, and trust God’s plan with confidence and hope. You are not walking into the New Year alone — God goes before you, walks beside you, and strengthens you every step of the way.
May this year be one of spiritual renewal, deeper faith, and joyful obedience. Step forward boldly. God is doing a new thing in you.
