New Year’s Resolutions: Practicing the Presence of God in 2026

sciotovalleyba
Jan 9
3 min read

Updated: Feb 9

Greetings in the blessed name of the Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father! May their grace, peace, and mercy be yours in abundance!

Embracing New Beginnings

As another year has passed and a new year has dawned, I find myself pondering the idea of making a “New Year’s resolution.” I’m not typically one to set resolutions, but I thought I’d give it a shot as 2026 begins. Many ideas come to mind: daily exercise, watching less TV, limiting social media, or cutting down on the treats I’ve enjoyed (and boy, did I indulge since Thanksgiving—please forgive me, Lord!).

How about reading through the Bible twice this year? Or memorizing a new scripture each week? Perhaps I could read an additional spiritual book every month or dedicate an hour a day to prayer and Bible study?

All of these are wonderful resolutions to consider. Yet, I recently came across one that truly inspires me. On January 1, 1937, a man named Frank Laubach opened his diary and penned a remarkable resolution. He wrote, “God, I want to give you every minute of my life this year. I shall attempt to keep you in mind every moment of every day.”

The Journey of Seeking God

As he lived his life that year, he recorded what he believed was the percentage of each day that he achieved this goal: 50%, 60%, and so on. He never noted giving God 100% of any day, yet he continued to strive for that ideal.

As we embark on a new year and a new adventure with God in 2026, why not consider joining me in striving for what Frank desired? Let’s practice the presence of God in as many moments each day as possible! Although he never fully reached his goal, his relationship with God deepened. His understanding of holiness grew, and he realized that God was always close to him.

God’s Promises

As God told Joshua in Joshua 1:9, “I will go with you wherever you go.” And as Jesus assured His disciples in Matthew 28:20, “And remember, I am with you always, even until the end of the age.”

These promises remind us that we are never alone. God walks with us through every moment of our lives. This year, let’s resolve to have a godly year in 2026. Let’s rejoice in each moment, knowing we have a God who loves us, a Savior who died for us, and the Holy Spirit who regularly reminds us that God is near us, for us, and in us!

Practical Steps to Practice God’s Presence

Set Daily Intentions: Each morning, take a moment to set your intention to focus on God throughout the day. This can be a simple prayer asking for His guidance and presence.
Incorporate Scripture: Keep a verse close to your heart. Reflect on it during your day. Let it guide your thoughts and actions.
Mindful Moments: Throughout your day, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath and acknowledge God’s presence. This can be done while commuting, during lunch, or even while doing chores.
Journaling: Keep a journal of your thoughts and prayers. Write down moments when you felt God’s presence. This will help you reflect on your journey and growth.
Community Connection: Engage with your church community. Share your experiences and encourage one another in practicing God’s presence.

Conclusion: A Year of Growth

As we step into 2026, let’s commit to deepening our relationship with God. Let’s strive to keep Him in our hearts and minds every day. Together, we can make this year a transformative one, filled with love, faith, and connection.

Happy New Year!

Jack