Anthony Rhodes

In just a few hours, the year 2025 will be a thing of the past. It is hard to believe it has been 365 days. We were all excited about what 2025 had in store. But tonight, as we sit here, reflecting on the past year and turning the page to a new one, we think of how 2025 was a year filled with joy. It was also a year filled with sadness at times. As we look back on this past year, though, I want to remember God’s faithfulness. The prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:22 and 3:23.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about God’s promises and the hope they hold. Look at the promises that are found in these two verses and reflect upon them as we close out this year and move into a new year. God‘s love never ceases. What a promise, the love that God has for us never stops. There are times that we may not feel that love, there are times that we may wonder does God really love me the way that he says, and there may have been times even in 2025 that we’ve asked ourselves the question where is God, or ask God why am I going through this but realize the promising God’s word says he is love never stopped.

Also, notice that the mercy that God bestows upon us never stops. God loves us so much, and that steadfast love, never-ending love, is the kind of love that God will bestow his mercy upon us. I love what the scripture says here that he renews those mercies every day.  What that tells me is there’s no expiration date on the mercy of God.

And finally when it comes to this verse rejoice because great is his faithfulness, God is a faithful God, He is a loving God and those mountain top experiences in 2025 were phenomenal, but even in those valleys, God was faithful to be with us, God was faithful to walk with us each step of the way, and we need to rejoice in that promise. We can rejoice because as the old hymn says great is His faithfulness, but I’m also reminded of an old praise song I used to lead when I was a worship minister that simply says, “What A Mighty God We Serve.” The late Rich Mullins wrote a powerful song titled “Our God Is an Awesome God.”  As we move into 2026, remember just how loving, Faithful, and awesome God is.

We need to remember God’s faithfulness, but we also can’t live in the past. Whether 2025 was good or difficult, tomorrow is a new day and a new year.

Isaiah 43:18-19 in the 1984 original New International Version says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.” This passage reminds us that God wants us to focus on what He is doing now, not just what has happened before.

God tells us not to dwell on the past because there is nothing we can do to change it. Often, Satan tries to use our past against us—especially the sins we may have committed. He wants us to believe that, because of those things, we are not worthy to serve God. But we must remember God’s faithfulness and not let yesterday hold us back. Even if we let God down in the past, we can repent and choose to live for Him today, committing ourselves to serve the Lord with gladness tomorrow.

Let’s choose to let go of yesterday’s regrets and step into the new things God has for us today and in the coming year.

Rick Warren, the former pastor of Saddleback Church in California, once said that the windshield is much larger than the rearview mirror in our cars because we are meant to focus on the future, not the past. While there may be things I wish to change in 2025, I have also learned many lessons. Dwelling on mistakes or hardships could lead to depression or heartache, which is not God’s intention. So, tonight or tomorrow, reflect on 2025. Maybe write down all the ways God was faithful during tough times or blessed you with mountain-top experiences. Then, turn your focus forward and anticipate the plans God has for 2026.

Finally, remind you of a verse that we started at 2025 with, and remind you that you pressed on in 2025 and keep pressing on in 2026, apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul didn’t make New Year’s resolutions, but he longed to live like Christ. He wanted to press on toward the goal Christ had for him. So, I want to encourage you to take some time as we begin the new year and ask yourself: What must I do to pursue the goal Christ has for me? Maybe I need to start reading my Bible more, maybe I need to start praying more, maybe I need to be more faithful in connection groups, maybe I need to teach and lead a connection group, or maybe I need to pray about what God would have me do.

God is a faithful God. Keep looking forward. Don’t dwell on what you can’t change and press on to the prize that Christ has for us.

Here are some ways to apply this devotional as we head into the new year:

Take time to intentionally remember God’s faithfulness.
Set aside a few quiet minutes before the year ends or early in the new year. Write down specific moments from 2025 when you saw God provide, protect, comfort, or guide you. Include both the mountaintops and the valleys. This becomes a personal “faithfulness journal” you can return to when future days feel heavy.

Release what needs to stay in the past.
Prayerfully name the regrets, failures, or hurts from 2025 that still weigh on you. Confess sin where needed, receive God’s forgiveness, and consciously place those burdens in His hands. You may even choose to write them down and tear up the paper as a symbolic act of letting go.

Ask God what “the new thing” looks like for you.
Spend time praying Isaiah 43:18–19 personally. Ask, “Lord, what are You doing in my life right now?” Be open to small steps—new habits, renewed priorities, or fresh obedience—rather than dramatic changes.

Start the new year with hope-filled expectation.
Take time to pray over 2026. Ask God to align your heart with His will. Expect Him to work—not because of your strength, but because of His faithfulness. Walk forward believing that the same God who carried you through 2025 will walk with you every step of the new year.

Happy New Year!