As most people know, the Bible is the most read book in the world. In addition to the written word, millions upon millions of people consult online and digital copies of the Bible every day of the year. It’s so much different than when I was young and there was no internet to search for resources.
In any event, more and more search engines are out there and people have taken to the internet to research verses that can help them through all sorts of trials and tribulations each day. In all honesty, I thought that the verse of the year for 2025 would be something like John 3:16, arguably the most important verse in the entire Bible. After all, what is more important than the foundational verse of all Christianity – giving us a glimpse of God’s love for us by sending His Son to take on the sins of the world? And… that all we have to do is believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The rest of the story confirms that we will end up for all eternity with God the Father and His Son.
But, that’s not the verse of the year… No… I can see how new believers would be drawn to John 3:16, but I have a sneaking suspicion that people who are already believers use the Bible and its verses for more intimate reasons to connect with God.
Once you have an eternal relationship with Jesus, having accepted Him as Lord and Savior of your life, your relationship with God changes. He becomes more like a friend, a mentor and even one who you can turn to in times of turmoil, or unsettled circumstances in our lives.
Where do we turn when we are worried, upset, frustrated, hurting, or need a demonstration of God’s love for us? When we are afraid, who should we trust, or turn to? When we feel weak, or vulnerable, who can help us through the darkest night into the morning light? Jesus! And so in this time of turmoil in our country – the great divide between political parties, a lack of trust and selfish concerns putting self ahead of country, no wonder we turn our eyes toward heaven in the hopes that we can find relief and experience divine peace…
After considering all the issues that believers depend on our Lord for, it gives me great pleasure to use the most requested – the most sought after – verse in all of Scripture as our verse for tonight. Yes, it’s the verse of the year for 2025! The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who prophesied the arrival of Jesus centuries later, gives us the words of God as a comfort to us. Isaiah tells us, in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
My encouragement this evening is that we can put our full trust in God. And we should be at peace with that decision. My prayer for this first day of 2026 is a prayer that I found at church, having to do with the reflection on last year, 2025, and also a petition to the Lord for 2026. It is important that we realize our dependence on Him and it should be our collective plea that God will guide us through the trials and tribulations of this new year. Therefore, please join me in praying the following prayer bidding Farewell to 2025 and Welcoming 2026:
Lord, as we stand at the threshold of this new year, we ask for your guidance and grace. Kindle a flame of hope in our hearts that we may see your wonders and live to praise your name. Bless our families, strengthen our communities and inspire us to serve others with generosity, deepen our faith, help us grow closer to you and let our lives be filled with your light and purpose. May this year be marked by hope, joy and a deeper trust in you. Amen.
To of our readers and their families, we wish you a Happy New Year, and above all, we wish you a great YEAR in the Lord, grace and peace…