How long does the “New” year last?

Have you settled into 2026? Getting accustomed to putting the right year when you need to date a check or document? Or has the glow of Christmas and the brightness of a new year disappeared? How long does the “new” year last?

That seems an odd question, even to me (and I’m the one who asked it). Perhaps I need to set a better context for my inquiry. I think we often enter a new year full of hope. It’s out with the old and in with the new as we set goals and aspirations to achieve in the new year.

But how long does hope last before we become discouraged and disillusioned about our goals? How long before we give up on making healthy and positive changes and settle back into our old routines?

What if…

The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. (Psalm 118:24)

What if we view each day as a special gift from our Father? On each day we take a tiny step toward our goal. Or we simply try not to backslide from it. Psalm 118:24 reminds us that the LORD is with us THIS VERY DAY. He is right here, encouraging us as we strive to…

  • Draw closer to Him through Bible study
  • Change a bad habit into a good one
  • Have more quality time with family and loved ones
  • Or whatever goal we may have established

I may have set too many goals for myself this year. I’m in a group led by Jennifer Thayer Knight and we are reading through the Bible in a year. So far (after 10 days), I’m on track! You can learn more about this exciting adventure here.

I’ve also begun a 21 Day Devotional journey with Yvonne Morgan’s recently published book, BIG GOD = little fears.

I’ll share updates on these two projects in the future. One more big (full of hope) step is also in progress. My husband and I, in an effort to be healthier, are focused on a slightly modified Daniel diet. We are eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, broiled fish and chicken, and reducing our sugar intake (drastically). Oh, mercy–we appreciate your prayers on this big step! I’ve been a healthy eater for years (except for my love of sugar). We’re definitely taking this new wellness adventure one day at a time.

More on this journey later. Meanwhile, back to the blessings of morning.

Another what if…

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)

Can we place our goals, aspirations, and hopes before our Lord and wait expectantly? If we’re waiting expectantly, we have reasonable confidence that our hopes will be fulfilled.

Do we believe in His love and faithfulness?

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Each and every morning our Lord’s love and compassion are newly granted to us. He is faithful and with us every step of our journey with Him.

How long does the “new” year last? I’m focusing on the view of 365 days of “new” mornings, gifted to us by our loving Father.

Happy New Year, my friends!

14 Comments

  1. Yvonne Morgan says:

    What ambitious goals Katherine. I’ll be praying for your success especially with the sugar because that is my biggest food struggle too.

    Thanks for mentioning my book and praying it is beneficial for you. God bless.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Yvonne! I’m praying for you, too. Reducing sugar intake is HARD, but we’ll be much healthier without the inflammation sugar causes. Sending you good wishes that 2026 is the best year ever!

  2. Katherine, let me know which is harder: sticking to your diet or getting through Leviticus and Numbers!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Ha Ha, Tim! Having read through the Bible previously (it took me more than a year), I remember struggling with all those begets and long lists of ancestries–that may be harder than giving up sugar, except drastically reducing sugar is a healthy habit to maintain for a lifetime. Sigh…

  3. This is a great encouragement to me. There are many opportunities before me, but I need to pray and ask God for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. Praying for you and your husband. 🙂

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Melissa, I’m happy my message is encouraging for you. I’m praying God is with you in your goals this year. We’re grateful for your prayers as we strive toward better health. Peace and blessings!

  4. “What if we view each day as a special gift from our Father?” A great question and reminder, Katherine. Thank you.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouragement, Diana. Peace and blessings!

  5. I applaud you on your goals and appreciate “I’m focusing on the view of 365 days of “new” mornings, gifted to us by our loving Father.” Amen!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      My year has gotten off to a wonderful start, Debbie. But I know the trials will come and I will need to remind myself of His blessings–new every morning. Thank you for for sharing God’s love through your ministry. Wishing you joy and blessings in 2026.

  6. Terri Miller says:

    365 new beginnings. That’s something to look forward to! Happy New Year, Katherine.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Aren’t we blessed? Thank you, Terri, for your encouragement. Sending wishes that 2026 brings you and your family good health, happiness, and much joy.

  7. I’m thankful that God is with me every second, and I can pause and rest and communicate with Him at any time.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      I feel the same way, Joni. Our loving Father is always available to listen and show us the pathway. Thank you for sharing.

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