January 1, 2026: Surrendering the Year to God

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 Surrendering the Year to God

Key Text:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways


submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

— Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

I’ve always been the designated driver for my friends. If there’s a function and carpooling is involved, I’m behind the wheel. On the rare occasions when I’m not driving, I secretly become the “back-seat driver.” I’m that person in the passenger seat who presses an imaginary brake more than the actual driver. I might even mentally swerve to avoid a car or two. Over the years, I’ve gotten better, but I still feel a bit of stress when riding with someone new—I just don’t verbalize it as much.
This need to control doesn’t stop at driving. I often want to do my own thing and go my own way. I’ve looked around, evaluated the situation, and decided what I think is best for my life. Maybe you’ve done the same—you have it all planned out.
But here’s the challenge: along the road of life, there are blind spots, drunk drivers, unmarked dead ends, and unexpected accidents—things we simply cannot see coming.
The good news? There is a God who sees not just more than we do, but everything. He calls us to trust Him. He is willing and able to take control. If we submit to His will, He will guide us safely through.
Take a moment to reflect on your life. How many times have you relied on your own understanding and ended up frustrated or lost? This new year is the perfect time to let go and surrender to God. He’s inviting you—and me—to relax in the passenger seat and let Him take the wheel.

Prayer
Our Father, I choose to trust You with all my heart. Help me to let go of my need for control and lean on Your wisdom, not my own understanding. Guide my steps, straighten my paths, and teach me to rest in Your perfect plan. I surrender this year—and my life—completely to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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