NEW YEARS DAY, 2026 

WITH THE LORD BEGIN THE NEW YEAR 

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 

There is a long-standing tradition in the United States of every January 1st making a New Years Resolution. Many make these resolutions with great seriousness. They often center on the resolution maker wanting to make a change in direction, behavior, relationships, and countless other facets of life. The key is “making a change” for what they believe will be for the good. 

If you already have or intend sometime today to make your New Years resolution, today’s devotional verse offers you an important starting point. “. . . whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”   

Why start with Jesus? First, because He has made a promise to you regarding this new year. It is not just for 2026, but for your entire life. His promise is, “. . .surely I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Think what that means for the next 365 days. Jesus, who has all authority, all power, (Matthew 28:18) is your Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14-15) who sits at the right hand of God Almighty (Mark 16:19) and the Holy Scriptures promise He will intercede (pray) for you. (Romans 8:34) 

2026 will be a blessed year for you with Jesus accompanying you each day and night in all facets of your life. Doing all you do in the name of Jesus means you are invoking His presence, asking Him to be by your side to guide and direct you through the Holy Spirit in all of the choices you must make and do the things you must do.”   

Colossians 2:6-7 encourages you with these words, “. . . So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Verse 1 of today’s hymn is based upon the life goal of beginning each day with the Lord Jesus Christ as its heart, center, and core. (see below) 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today begins a New Year and I pray You will bless this new year for me by being an integral part of each day to come. Grant me Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide me to follow You in all I think, do and say. In Your holy name. Amen. 

With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.  
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.  
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,  
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. 

Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.  
On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.  
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,  
Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you. 

With your Savior at your side, Foe’s need not alarm you;  
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.  
All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master.  
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster. 

If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,  
Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing.  
Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;  
You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder. 

Thus, Lord Jesus, ev’ry task Be to You commended;  
May Your will be done, I ask, Until life is ended.  
Jesus, in Your name begun Be the day’s endeavor;  
Grant that it may well be done To Your praise forever.  

With the Lord Begin Your Task // LSB 869