The Threshold of a New Year

As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves on the threshold of reflection and readiness. One year closes and another one awaits – inviting us to pause and remember the faithfulness of the Lord during the past year, while also preparing our hearts for what He has in store for us in the year ahead. For believers, today marks more than a calendar change, it offers a spiritual opportunity.

REFLECTION

The psalmist David declares, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,” (Psalm 103:2). Reflection is more than a simple mental review of days gone by, it is a spiritual discipline that compels our souls to relish in the goodness of God. Reflection also strengthens our hearts and minds as we replay the victorious testimonies through which God has brought us. Some days bring joy and some bring disappointment, but through every season, reflection helps us remember that the Lord remains faithful.

For many Christians, this year required endurance. Perhaps you prayed prayers that caused you to become fully dependent on the Lord as you waited expectantly for an answer that you thought took longer to receive than what felt comfortable. Or perhaps this year taught you hard lessons that you did not anticipate learning. But through it all, Scripture reminds us that God wastes nothing. When we understand that God’s work in us and through us is directed at fulfilling His good purposes, our lives have meaning and direction. The apostle Paul says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). In hard moments, instead of suppressing the heartache, may we turn these trials into testimonies of God’s grace. 

READINESS

Reflection is only half of the equation, though. God doesn’t just call us to look back, He also urges us forward. Paul speaks of this call to advancement when he writes, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Readying ourselves for the year ahead and seeking God’s direction for the next season of life helps us to recognize our deep need for the Holy Spirit. We can’t move forward alone, we need the Spirit’s empowerment. Prior to His ascension to heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, our helper that would lead us into all truth.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13).

So, as we walk into a new year, let's renew our commitment to these spiritual disciplines, prayerfully aligning our hearts with God’s will. May we worship in a way that reorients our focus from our current circumstances to God’s sovereignty.

On this New Year’s Eve, I invite you to release unforgiveness, regret, bitterness, and fear – all things that are burdens to our souls. It’s not always easy, but Jesus promises that if we lay these things at His feet, He will take our burdens upon Himself (Matthew 11:28-30).

At the same time, I invite you to look forward with anticipation and expectation that the God of yesterday is the same God who will be with us tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). He was present in our past and will be present in the days to come, establishing our steps if we commit our plans to Him (Proverbs 16:9).

I bless you today and ask that His peace and presence would be made known to you in new and incredible ways.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen,” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Elly Marroquin

Elly Marroquin is national director for Christian Education and Discipleship for the Assemblies of God.