As we advance in the early days of this new year 2026, many people are striving to establish and carry out resolutions such as dieting and eating right. But many of us have found out over the years that emotional quick fixes in new year resolutions have a short life – they don’t last long. For the Christian, there is a more sure path to walk that guarantees contentment. I share today two challenges that are helping to make sure I am advancing with spiritual fortitude.
The first thing that is helping me to stay strong is God’s Word! In particular, I believe that a strong resolve for me in this new year is the encouraging truth of Psalm 34. Have you read it
lately? David, a man after God’s own heart, was facing great opposition with threats even to his life. It is interesting to note that this evil opposition came after one of David’s victories. The young shepherd boy had turned into a mighty warrior with his defeat of the giant Goliath; and people, motivated by jealousy over his newfound fame, were attempting to destroy him.
David ran in fear, trying to find a safe place to avoid their wrath. Finally, he ends up hiding in a cave to escape King Saul’s vengeful attack. It was in this state that David remembered the
goodness of God and resolved to return to full obedience and trust in the protection of the sanctuary of the Lord.
In Psalm 34, David proclaims the guiding steps for peace in his life. Praise and worship became the foundation of his walk.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3)
I encourage you to PAUSE NOW and read Psalm 34 and, upon your completion, return to this publication at which time I will give you my synopsis and the key six points David is making for all of us.
I suggest as we think about these six heart-felt direction points from David, it will be wise for us to place our feet on the solid foundation of God’s intentions for all of us that David
proclaimed.
Here is my summation of Psalm 34 that will help us all to have a happy and blessed new year.
- KNOW GOD, praise Him for WHO HE IS, seek Him and the truth of His word and freedom from every attack of the enemy. “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36).
- Believe and humbly cry out and know God has heard you! Have confidence in seeking and believing His Word. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
- Feed on the truth of God’s word, live in the awe (reverence) of the Lord, and declare His deliverance and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to bring you strength and joy.
- Come to Him, revere Him, and be an empowered witness to share His love with others.
- Keep your tongue from evil, doing good, always speaking peace and pursuing it.
- Understand the importance of prayer and communication with our wonderful, merciful Saviour who redeems the souls of His servants, for those who trust in Him shall not be condemned.
Here is the second thing that is challenging me in this new year. It is a great song of praise that I just keep singing over and over again. Here it is: Wonderful, Merciful Saviour – written by Eric Wyse & Dawn Rodgers:
Wonderful, Merciful Saviour,
Precious Redeemer and Friend;
Who Would Have Thought That A Lamb
Could Rescue The Souls Of Men?
Oh, You Rescue The Souls Of Men.
Counsellor, Comforter, Keeper,
Spirit We Long To Embrace;
You Offer Hope When Our Hearts Have
Hopelessly Lost The Way,
Oh, We Hopelessly Lost The Way.
You Are The One That We Praise,
You Are The One We Adore;
You Give The Healing And Grace
Our Hearts Always Hunger For,
Oh, Our Hearts Always Hunger For.
Almighty, Infinite Father,
Faithfully Loving Your Own;
Here In Our Weakness You Find Us
Falling Before Your Throne,
Oh, We’re Falling Before Your Throne.
I pray today that our thoughts on Psalm 34 — and our praise and worship based on this special song — will help us all walk victoriously each hour, day, week, and month of this new year.
Pastor Jerry
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