Letting God Lead Us This Year - Encouragement for Today - January 01, 2026
Letting God Lead Us This Year
ABBY MCDONALD
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“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.” Proverbs 16:1 (NIV)
Everyone seemed to have it together but me. As I scrolled my social media feed and read about friends’ end-of-year accomplishments, I thought, I’m happy just to be crossing the finish line. I’d made it through December, but instead of expectant for the new year, I felt weary.
Over the past several months, my list of commitments with work, family, and ministry had grown. “No” wasn’t a word I said often. While some of the additions were necessary, others weren’t. Constant running led to continuous, low-grade anxiety as I fell behind in my responsibilities. The joy I once felt was depleted.
I knew something needed to change, and I needed to bring my concerns to God. But I questioned, Will He be disappointed with me?
One morning, I tried to quiet my racing mind and be still. Then I felt a conviction in my spirit: God never asked you to do all of these things.
In my people-pleasing nature, I’d forgotten that life works best when I go to God first. I was adding more to my plate without seeking Him, but He always invites me to come to Him with all of it. He guides me, both in my “yes” and my “no,” to make room for the best He has for me.
He does the same for you. As today's key verse reminds us, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue” (Proverbs 16:1).
Often I let others’ expectations guide me instead of God. What will this person think? Will they be offended by my “no”? I tell myself God wants me to do good works, which is true. However, Proverbs 16:2 also says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD” (NIV).
What would it look like to truly surrender our plans and our motives to the Lord? To invite Him into every decision, big or small? I believe we would trade anxiety for more peace and joy. Instead of being motivated by fear of people, we’d be led by God's Spirit of Truth.
Here are some honest questions to guide us:
- God, is there an area in my life where I’ve let myself be guided by people-pleasing instead of by You?
- What work do You have for me to do today, God?
- Is there something You want me to let go of?
Friend, God loves it when we serve Him and serve others. But He also wants us to serve with healthy bodies, hearts, and minds. Let’s come to Him first with our plans. Our future selves will say thank you.
God, You know our thoughts and motivations before we even speak. Thank You for knowing what’s best for us. When we’re tempted to say “yes” out of fear about what people will think or do, remind us that we serve You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Friend, as we step into a brand-new year, what if your next step of faith began with opening God’s Word? Every time you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you help another woman do exactly that — meeting her right where she is with the Truth that steadies and strengthens. That’s why we’re so excited to start 2026 with 40 Days Through the New Testament: Knowing the Savior Who Steadies Our Uncertainty. It’s an invitation to slow down, spend time with Jesus, and let His promises stir up your faith again. When you give your best gift now, you’ll help more women experience God’s Word — and as a special thank-you, we’ll send you 40 Days Through the New Testament. Let’s begin this year rooted in Scripture and ready for all God wants to do.
ENGAGE
Do you spend more time spiralling in your head than responding to God’s voice? Learn more about Abby’s new book, Surrendering Certainty, and connect with her on her website.
Let go of patterns of insecurity and regret in the new year with Abby’s “5 Days to Life Unstuck” Challenge.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
John 16:13, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (NIV).
When have you let others’ expectations guide you in your decision-making more than God? How do you think it’s affected your peace? Tell us about it in the comments.
© 2026 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
