Step into the New Year, Relying on God to Supply all Needs

Step into the New Year, Relying on God to Supply all Needs

As we step into a new season, may God grant us strength for the journey, clarity of purpose, and wisdom for every decision. May we be reminded that each of our lives is held in His loving hands, shaped by intention and hope, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. With resilience and courage, may we face challenges not with fear, but with faith—trusting that God is at work in ways both seen and unseen.

Thus far has the Lord helped us. (1 Samuel 7: 12)

The text below in part is from one of my favorite devotional books Streams in the Desert.*

The words “thus far” are like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. It had been “a long time, twenty years in all” (v. 2), but even if it had been seventy years, “Thus far has the Lord helped”! Whether through poverty, wealth, sickness, or health, whether at home or abroad, or on land, sea, or air, and whether in honor, dishonor, difficulties, joy, trials, triumph, prayer, or temptation“ Thus far has the Lord helped”!

We always enjoy looking down a long road lined with beautiful trees. The trees are a delightful sight and seem to be forming a temple of plants, with strong wooden pillars and arches of leaves. In the same way you look down a beautiful road like this, why not look back on the road of the years of your life? Look at the large green limbs of God’s mercy overhead and the strong pillars of His loving-kindness and faithfulness that have brought you much joy. Do you see any birds singing in the branches? If you look closely, surely you will see many, for they are singing of God’s mercy received “thus far.”

These words also point forward. Someone who comes to a certain point and writes the words “thus far” realizes he has not yet come to the end of the road and that he still has some distance to travel. There are still more trials, joys, temptations, battles, defeats, victories, prayers, answers, toils, and strength yet to come. These are then followed by sickness, old age, disease, and death.

Then is life over after death? No! These are still yet to come: arising in the likeness of Jesus; thrones, harps, and the singing of psalms; being “clothed in white garments” (Rev. 3: 5 NASB), seeing the face of Jesus, and sharing fellowship with the saints; and experiencing the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, and infinite joy. So dear believer, “be strong and take heart” (Ps. 27: 14), and with thanksgiving and confidence lift your voice in praise, for:

The Lord who “thus far” has helped you

Will help you all your journey through.

The shepherds of the Alps have a beautiful custom of ending the day by singing an evening farewell to one another. The air is so pure that the songs can be heard for very long distances. As the sun begins to set, they gather their flocks and begin to lead them down the mountain paths while they sing, “‘Thus far has the Lord helped us.’ Let us praise His name!”

Finally, as is their custom, they sing to one another the courteous and friendly farewell “Goodnight! Goodnight!” The words then begin to echo from mountainside to mountainside, reverberating sweetly and softly until the music fades into the distance.

In 2026, let us also call out to one another through the darkness until the night becomes alive with the sound of many voices, encouraging God’s weary travelers. And may the echoes grow into a storm of hallelujahs that will break in thundering waves around His sapphire throne. Then as the morning dawns, we will find ourselves on the shore of the “sea of glass” (Rev. 4: 6), crying out with the redeemed hosts of heaven, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Rev. 5: 13).

This my song through endless ages,

Jesus led me all the way.

AND AGAIN THEY SHOUTED: “HALLELUJAH!” Revelation 19: 3

2025 was not a year of perfection and neither will 2026. God’s desire is not perfectionism, performance, or constant self-correction, but relationship. His presence—not our polish—is the true evidence of spiritual life.

This means sustained intimacy not fleeting moments. To “feel His presence” is not just emotional; it is an anchored soul—one that knows it is not alone, not abandoned, and not required to earn God’s nearness. Presence means God is with you in progress, in waiting, in becoming.

You are blessed. Your blessing is not postponed until perfection is reached. Blessing exists now, because God’s presence already does.

My prayer for you for 2026 is that your soul will always feel His abundant presence.

You don’t need to be finished for God to be faithful.

You don’t need to be perfect to be deeply loved.

And the greatest gift of the coming year is not flawlessness—but nearness.

*Reference Cowman, L. B. E.; Reimann, Jim (2008-09-09). Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings (pp. 487-488). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.