Sunday’s Blessing – 1/4/2026 – The Year Ahead
I’m not big on numerology. Some base their life on it like a horoscope. I’m more prone to follow what I believe to be the leading of the Holy Spirit, Who always leads us toward peace. However, I do like to take a look at the meaning of numbers from the Bible, not for direction, but for confirmation. Take a look at what this year’s number means:
In the Bible, the number 26 is significant through its connection to God's sacred name, YHWH (Yahweh), whose Hebrew letters (Yod, Heh, Waw, Heh) sum to 26, symbolizing divine presence and perfection, while the biblical book of Numbers 26 details the crucial second census of the new Israelite generation ready to enter the Promised Land, signifying new beginnings, God's faithfulness to His covenant, and judgment on the rebellious former generation.
The reason I like this so much is because it is true every year! God has promised those who are in covenant with Him that He would be present in us (via the Holy Spirit) forever, and that He would continue to work in us toward completion of perfection, the image of His Son, Jesus! Also, as I mentioned last week about the New Year, every day is a New Beginning in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Regardless of what is behind you, there is hope for a better future. As saw in the weeks of celebrating Advent, the Messiah came to bring Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. Those things are not just for feeling around the yule log sipping cider or hot chocolate. Those same four things are God’s desire for you every single day. When the pipe bursts or the car dies or the child is sick or you are late for work or … hope is still available; joy can still be found; peace can slow your heart rate and lower you blood pressure; love is always a possible response. These are not obtained through self-will, motivational TED Talks, or crystals (nothing inherently wrong with any of that) but will be manifest when the acknowledgement of the presence of the Prince of Peace, the Hope of Heaven, the Joy of the Lord, and the Agape Love of God.
These are not trite catch-phrases learned in church. These are descriptions of the various aspects of God Himself. Just as you can know a person (friend, spouse, co-worker) in many different ways (e.g. spouse can be friend, lover, confidant, one who meets your needs, one whose needs you can meet, co-laborer in house chores/repairs, co-explorer in adventures on vacation or at the mall, etc.) God is multifaceted and is to be sought after in order to discover the many ways He impacts your life.
That is the motivation behind my fascination with the Names of God. It’s not a hobby. It’s a deep dive into learning more about the One who loves me most. The more you discover the more ways you can relate to Him and to His ways. Learn His character so when you encounter something that is not from Him you will quickly recognize it. Become aware of His presence in every aspect of your life. It’s not a New Year’s resolution, it’s a way of life.
Today’s Blessing:
Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. Isaiah 45:15 ESVAsk, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 ESVBecause He is not hiding from you, but for you!…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. Daniel 11:32b ESVJesus said, “But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.” John 8:55 ESVJesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9b ESVWhen you receive Christ, He will reveal the Father to you, then you can live!
