Ten New Year’s Thoughts for 2026
Author: Stan Guthrie
January 01, 2026
10 Biblical Thoughts for the New Year
Do you make New Year's resolutions? And if you do, do you even remember them at the end of the year? And if you don't remember, were they worth making in the first place?
Studies reveal that nine out of ten resolutions are abandoned quickly in America. There are lots of reasons, including distraction and lack of discipline. Can you relate? Another might be that, in the cold light of day, maybe our resolutions just didn't seem important enough to stick with. Maybe the problem is that our sights are set too low, and our goals are much too flabby.
With that in mind, I'd like to offer 10 biblical thoughts (in no particular order) that can help us to focus on things that we know God cares about—and that therefore we should care about. They are not resolutions, exactly, but I hope they will encourage us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-4). It will be impossible to change your life in all 10 areas in 2026. But one or two would be nice!
- Plans
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Whatever the New Year has in store, we can trust with our whole hearts that the Lord has the best in mind for us. His ways are above ours, and He will always give more than we can ask or imagine. He doesn't make mistakes, even when the way seems hard.
- Truth
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." James 5:12
Oaths are not needed among God's people because the standard is truth all the time. Our word is our bond. God never lies, misleads, or shades the truth, and neither should His children.
- Love
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
The two greatest commandments stand for all time. Love for God and for all who are made in His image should be paramount in all we say and do.
- Generosity
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
In a world where greed runs rampant and people cling to stuff as their ultimate security, a generous Christian makes a radical statement without saying a word. Be cheerfully generous and trust the Lord. Your reward will be waiting for you.
- Meet
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25, nlt
Contributing to the life of the church is a blessing not to be missed. Let's not shortchange ourselves—or others.
- Word
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
Studying, praying over, and being transformed by Scripture requires effort. Let's hit the Book at least as often as we hit the gym. The Holy Spirit will help us, and the payoff is incalculable.
- Prepare
"[B]ut in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15
In a lost, confused, and broken world, evangelism and missions are essential. Let's be prepared to kindly but forthrightly share our hope in the risen and reigning Christ with those who need Him—and generously support others who do.
- Rejoice
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Sometimes joy comes without warning. Other times, we must choose it. Either way, joy is our birthright as Christians. May we rejoice always and honor God.
- Forgive
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is hard. Unforgiveness is harder. May we live lives of repentance and forgiveness with one another, sharing the grace that God freely gave us in Christ.
- Expectation
"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Revelation 22:12-13
As we make our plans in this world, may we never forget—and indeed eagerly anticipate—the second coming of Christ, who will reward us, punish unbelievers, and take His children home to the new heaven and new earth.
Stan Guthrie is Director of Outreach and Mobilization for New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois. An earlier version of this article appeared two years ago.
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