Constants Through the New Year
Marketing in the new year revolves around an “out with the old and in with the new” attitude. January 1st seems to mark the beginning of new trends, new lifestyle upgrades, and new year resolutions. I personally set new goals or think of habits I want to quit and some I want to add into my daily routine. When I reflect on the past year, I can be easily discouraged by previous goals I did not meet or sins that continue to be a struggle. Yet, the story is not over, and God’s work is not yet complete. So in a time designed for change, I want to remember these constants to carry with me into 2026.
God is on the throne
In medieval times, a royal throne represented authority and power. A throne was a physical representation of how “separate” from others the king was. Sitting on a throne was a strategic statement of the ruling power a king possessed over his kingdom and his people. An earthly throne could be intricately decorated, and a king would be dressed in fine clothing and a shiny crown. Even this picture is but a shadow of the glory of God’s eternal throne.
In Revelation, John writes about a throne in heaven. It’s a beautiful description with precious stones and colors. But God’s glory does not come from an earthly status—God’s glory is never ending. God’s glory is His because of who He is as a holy God, not because of a title or a temporary throne and crown. Revelation 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
The image of God on the throne is the perfect physical representation of the eternal King on the eternal throne. God has all authority over this world as the one true and perfect King. This image reminds us that everything unfolds within God’s plan.
God’s authority on the throne also points to His sovereignty over creation and every generation. God is the creator and sustainer of our world and everything we see and do not see. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15–17).
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is enough
Jesus’ humiliating and painful death on the cross was a fight against sin and death, and His resurrection was victory. The victory is not partial. It is not selective. It is not based on you or me, or anything we could ever do. His victory is over the sins that will continue to be a struggle this year. For the relationships that have not yet been restored. Or the diagnosis that has not been cured. But Jesus Himself reminds us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We can rejoice because we know Jesus is perfect while we cannot be. He is enough while we come up short. In believing in Him, we can be recipients of His sacrifice. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As 2026 brings new seasons, opportunities, and challenges, let us remember that the gospel was for yesterday, is for today, and will be for tomorrow.