Here we are. The earth has revolved around the sun yet one more year. For some of us good things filled 2025 while others of us wrestled with grief, illness, or worry. We’re so ready to turn the page. We need a fresh start. The way the Lord created our world this way with seasons and an orbit around the sun, and the opportunity for a new year makes me love Him even more. He’s a God of second chapters.
The beginning of a new one always makes me ponder what needs to go and what needs to stay. I ask what needs to be in the next chapter as I turn the page. I do a little soul and life purging. This December, finding myself on the other side of a stressful year (years), I feel God’s nudge to make some changes. The last few years this ministry ran on autopilot. So, I’ve been praying about what is next and what changes should be made. I’m asking the Lord how I can best glorify Him and help you grow closer to Jesus.
Starting the year with worship
I don’t have the complete vision yet, but I know one thing: The year must start with praise and worship. Whether your cup is running over, or your cup is bone dry, life will change, faith will strengthen, and the enemy must flee when we worship Jesus every. single. day. So, that’s what I’m going to do, and I would love for you to join me.
You might notice this reading plan is a little different. Rather than simply reading the verses, I’ve made room for you to write one or two words of praise that jump out to you. For example:
Day 1: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them” Psalm 22:3-4 NIV.
Word of praise: Trust
Day 2: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” Isaiah 25:1.
Word of praise: Wonderful
Sometimes my words seem so inadequate as I try to worship and praise God. But using the scriptures gives me powerful words of praise. He is worthy of our trust! Hallelujah! The LORD is wonderful! Praise Him! Download the Worship plan here.
Wonderful
I really love the Hebrew word for “wonderful.” Underneath our translation of Isaiah 25:1, the Hebrew word is Pele’. It means “wonderful, miracle, and wonder.” It’s the same word Isaiah used speaking of the Messiah, “And he will be called Wonderful . . .” Isaiah 9:6. That gives me chill bumps.
When we intentionally praise the Lord, we can set aside our worries to remember the wonderful things He has done in our lives. We can remember the times of wonder when we were amazed at how God worked out a problem. Don’t you love His creativity? We can exchange our worries for the miracles of the past both big and small and try the word “wonderful” in our prayers of praise remembering all it means.
Trust
Praising Him helps us trust Him especially when we begin to remember the many times He answered prayer, got us to the other side of a problem, or sent the perfect amount of money to pay the rent. But Psalm 22:3-4 reveals another reason to worship. The NKJV says it this way:
But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them.
They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed. Psalm 22:3-5 NKJV
The KJV translates “enthroned” as “inhabit.” The ancient word’s definitions include “settle and abide.” Think of how God dwelt with the Israelites through the wilderness guiding them to the Promised Land. As they trusted and worshiped Him and only Him, His presence settled upon them. I can’t think of a better way to start a new year and make it a daily habit–putting God on the throne of our hearts with every sunrise. He dwells in our praise no matter where we are or how we are.
Worship In Spirit and truth
One day, Jesus sat beside a well at just the right time, in the heat of the day, to meet a bitter, broken woman. We don’t know her name, just where she was from, Samaria. What most people remember about her was her marital history and living situation. But few notice the importance of what she was searching for. It wasn’t water.
This desperate, lonely woman wanted to know where to worship. Really! John records her question (John 4:7-26). She asked where to worship, and Jesus told her the place wasn’t important. He said, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” John 4:24b.
The ancient word under “truth” can mean: “dependable, truthful, perfect fidelity, unswerving obedience.” So, Jesus’s answer involved more than where to worship. It was about how to worship. The place doesn’t matter, but the heart of the worshiper does. I think that’s why Jesus intentionally waited for this woman that day. He knew her heart.
As soon as He told her about worship, she proclaimed the second thing she desperately searched and waited for, the Messiah, and Jesus told her something she’d longed to hear. He said, “I AM.” At that moment all her worries, shame, and anxiety disappeared. Filled with joy she ran back to the place of pain to invite the whole town to meet Jesus. Her problems and worries hadn’t changed. But she had. This worshiper would never be the same. Spending time with Jesus will do that for you.
my prayer for you for 2026
How I pray this will be the year we all grow closer to Jesus. This will be the year we hunger and thirst for His Word, His Righteousness, and His truth. Beloved, I’m praying this for me too! I’ve honestly lost some of the passion I once had! I want it back. I want to be consumed with heart throbbing desire for Him. I want this for you too. Let’s grow together this year. Let’s be changed and shine light into this dark world. Let’s be world changers one day, one person, one heartbeat at a time as we worship the One who’s given us one more year. May we know His presence so well we can smell His sweet fragrance. His arms tangible and His grace enabling. I am praying this for you.
2026 fruit of the spirit
I almost forgot! After we spend this month of worship, we will begin our journey into the study of the Fruit of the Spirit. I’m looking forward to reading about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It seemed fitting after our year of studying the names of the Holy Spirit. My friends, this is what makes us different from the world–this fruit. Our faith holds a much bigger picture than we can see.
your turn
What are some other things the Lord is nudging you toward? Do you have new goals or visions? Or has He given you a word? I’d love to hear how He’s leading you in 2026. Leave a comment. (And share this post if it encouraged you.) I’m praying for you, and I’m worshiping with you. Oh, He’s so worthy.
With a Full Heart,
Andy
Last year was a rough year for me because an unkown illness of some sort has fallen upon me. Unable to work, pay bills, and cant exert myself much. Through it, He has shown me that He is with me in this tribulation. This morning I woke up in almost a panic prayer of pleading for His help, healing and guidance. I may have fallen asleep again and dreamt of an open book 📖 that had a green field with flowers 💐 in it. On the left page to the bottom were small words that said “Give it to God” and “Give it to the Lord”. I woke up and heard “Everything”. Im still in pain, but the fact that He spoke to me and gave me direction for today is very comforting! May these words comfort you also, just like your webpage has comforted me. There’s still people who love Jesus and hear from Him through His word. Today I focus on giving Him everything.
Oh Esmerelda! Thank you for sharing! Praise Him! He is so good. He is with you and carrying you through. He will never leave us or forsake us. You will be in my prayers. – Andy
This is powerful,
I was looking for the meaning of a word ‘Redeemed’ What Jesus Christ has done for me.
I was studying the words on healings and curses. I also like the fact that you’re starting the year with Worship & Praise that was wonderful,I am going to do the same although I started it three days before the ending of 2025 and speaking in tongues for an hour or more ,it was great.
Thank you so much for encouraging the body of Christ.
May God continue blessing you.
Amen.
Thank you, Rita! praise the Lord! May He bless you richly. I love the word “redeemed.” He can redeem anything. Amen!
Your blog put words to what I feel in my heart and earnestly pray for each day of the new year. Thank you so much! I am praying for you, too.
Praise the Lord! I love that! Thanks for stopping by and sharing and thank you so much for your prayers!