“I seek to grasp more fully the reasons for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (pp Phil.3:12)
Lord Jesus, I cannot think of a better resolution for 2026 than to make it a year of pondering your grip of us. Hallelujah, yours is a grace-grip; you hold us fast, and no one will ever snatch us from your hand (Jn.10:28). But why did you do all of that for us? And what are the implications of your tender and tenacious grip for us in 2026?
Thank you for holding us as our enthralled Bridegroom. Whatever else you have planned for us in this new year, we can be certain you want us to know more of the height, depth, width, and length of your love (Eph.3:17-19)—so much so you command us to abide in your love (Jn.15:9). For us not to make growth in your love a priority will be seditious, insane, and self-sabotaging.
Thank you for holding us as our mighty and merciful King—for that is who you are, Jesus. Indeed, we are married to the King of the cosmos who is making ALL things new and beautiful. Help us grab that, Jesus. We spent too much of 2025 stressing, vexing, and fearing—under-believing that you really are “ruling the world with your truth and grace.”
You’re also sovereign over every heartache and hardship we will experience in life. Perhaps 2026 is to be a year in which we embrace both the mystery and mercy of your ways. Growth in humility, trust, and peace can only honor you, free our hearts, and encourage those with whom we live.
Lastly, thank you, Jesus for holding us as the “author and finisher of our faith”—the gracious Storywriter who isn’t writing short stories about our personal awesomeness, but a multi-chapter novel about how you are making us more and more like yourself. It’s a novel containing drama, joy, hidden subplots, twists-n-turns, tons of grace, and the most redemptive ending imaginable. Thank you, Jesus, and So Very Amen.
