Finishing Strong, Anchored in Grace

I pray your Christmas was filled with moments of peace, warmth, and meaningful connection with those you love.

As this year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting with gratitude. 2025 has held both joy and weight. Not one of us has gone through this year untouched. We have all faced moments that tested our faith, our patience, and our endurance. Yet here we are. Still standing. Still breathing. Still in our right minds.

When I look back, I am deeply thankful that God kept us—when life felt unsteady, when answers were delayed, and when the world seemed to turn in every direction at once. God has been faithful to preserve us. And because of that, our focus this week is clear:

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with honesty. The coming year will stretch us. It will challenge us. It will also carry unexpected gifts and divine reminders of God’s care. This is why preparation matters—not rushed resolutions, but intentional time with God.

Every year around this time, I step away for a few quiet days to write, pray, and listen. I journal. I reflect. I ask God to help me see clearly. I encourage you to do the same. Ask yourself: What do I want my life to reflect next year? What matters most for my family, my faith, and my future?

This is a moment to return to God’s Word and allow Him to steady us for the road ahead.

Here are three scriptures to anchor your heart as you prepare for 2026:

1. Exodus 34:6 (KJV) “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

God revealed Himself to Moses as merciful, patient, and overflowing with goodness. That same God walks with you. His character has not changed. He knows your name, your story, and your needs.

2. Psalm 81:10 (KJV) “I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”

The God who delivered before still delivers today. He invites us to come to Him with expectation. There is no shame in asking God for what you need. He welcomes it.

3. Joel 2:13 (KJV) “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

God’s heart is inclined toward mercy. He is patient with our return. Gentle in His correction. Rich in kindness. If you have drifted, this is your invitation to come home—not in fear, but in trust.

Beloved, as this year closes, remember this: you are deeply loved, carefully kept, and fully seen by God. Finish strong, not by striving harder, but by staying close.

ROHO Founder, ROHO Upcoming Events on ROHO Daniel Fast 2026 PRAYER: Dear God: As I prepare for a new year. May your grace go before me, may your love overflow me and may your your peace engulf my heart. Revive my soul to see and expect miracles, in the name of Jesus Christ I Pray, Amen.

About the Author

Rev. Nicholas S. Richards is an ordained minister, author of Destiny DNA, and founder of ROHO. For over 11 years, he has written more than 6,000 daily devotionals reaching believers worldwide. Learn more about Rev. Richards.