The turning of a year may be raucous at midnight, but it has a quiet way of inviting reflection. We look back at what was carried well—and what was dropped along the way. Resolutions often aim for big change, but Scripture invites us into something simpler, deeper, and far more sustainable: daily faithfulness.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1–2). Notice the language: not a sprint, not a single heroic leap – but a race marked by endurance, attention, and continual return – including trips, snares, and falls along the way.

Jesus Himself echoes this rhythm when He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Daily. Again and again. Not because yesterday’s grace expired, but because today requires fresh dependence.

New Year’s Day doesn’t demand perfection. It offers permission to pick it up again. To re-center our lives on Christ. To open the Scriptures once more. To pray again—even if it’s been a while. To trust that the Spirit meets us not only at the starting line, but every step along the course. In each breath.

As we step into this new year together as a Browncroft family, our invitation to you is simple: fix your eyes on Jesus today. Then do it again tomorrow. And the next day. By God’s grace, we will carry on—until we finish the race together.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

A Prayer for the New Year

Jesus,
as this new year begins, we turn our eyes back to You.
Thank You for Your faithfulness, yesterday, today, and forever.

We confess that we do not always run well.
We grow tired. We get distracted.
We drop what matters most.

So today, help us pick ourselves up again.
Teach us to take up our cross daily,
to depend on Your grace moment by moment,
and to walk in step with Your Spirit.

Strip away what hinders us.
Strengthen us for the race You have set before us.
Fix our eyes on You when the road feels long
and remind us that You run with us.

We trust that the work You have begun in us
You will be faithful to complete.
Give us perseverance, humility, and joy
until the day we finish the race.

Help me place this year in your hands.

Amen.