As we approach the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect, to laugh at memes, shrug off mistakes, and tell ourselves, “I’ll do better next year.” But sometimes humor keeps us from being honest. Before we step into a new year, God isn’t asking us to fix everyone else. He’s inviting us to look at what we’re still carrying. This isn’t about New Year’s resolutions. This is about leaving some things behind.
Throughout Scripture, every major move of God begins not with behavior changes, but with release. Before God does something new, He invites His people to let go of something old.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’ … So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed.”
— Genesis 12:1–4
Abraham left what was familiar.
Moses left what was comfortable.
“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh… God answered, ‘I will be with you.’”
— Exodus 3:10–12
Ruth left what defined her.
“Wherever you go, I will go… Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
— Ruth 1:16
The disciples left what provided for them.
“And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
— Matthew 4:20
None of them knew how everything would turn out. They simply trusted that God was faithful.
As this year closes, God isn’t pressuring us, He’s inviting us into growth.
Three Things to Leave Behind in 2025
1. Hopelessness
Hopelessness is the quiet belief that tomorrow cannot be different. The Bible never ignores pain, but it never allows pain to define the future.
“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.”— Lamentations 3:21–24
Hope doesn’t grow when circumstances immediately change. Hope grows when we remember who God is. Hope isn’t wishful thinking. Hope is the confidence that God is present, active, and faithful.
When I was 13, I bought a gold coin with my mom. It felt valuable and secure. Years later, I went to sell it, expecting it to be worth thousands. Instead, it was worth about $50. What I trusted as valuable wasn’t what I thought. Hopelessness works the same way. It tells us to trust our feelings and past experiences instead of God’s promises.
Some of us have been carrying quiet hopelessness:
- “Things won’t change.”
- “This is just how life is.”
- “I’ve tried before.”
But God says His mercy is new every morning.
What area of your life needs fresh hope today?
2. Anger and Bitterness
Anger often begins as a response to pain. Bitterness forms when anger stays too long. Anger is a signal, but when it takes over, things burn and damage follows. Scripture doesn’t shame us for feeling anger. It guides us toward healing.
“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’
Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
for anger gives a foothold to the devil…
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”— Ephesians 4:26–27, 31–32
Bitterness hardens the heart. Surrender softens it again. Anger can feel relieving. Bitterness can feel protective. But when pain goes untreated, it never stays contained, it spreads. Anger doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means something needs attention.
What hurt has turned into bitterness that God wants to heal before the new year begins?
3. Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness keeps us tied to the past. Forgiveness sets us free even before reconciliation happens.
“‘You evil servant!’ the king said. ‘I forgave you that tremendous debt… Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’”
— Matthew 18:32–33
Forgiveness is not approval. It is surrender. Forgiveness says, “I trust God with justice.”
I remember playing baseball in my dad’s backyard and shattering a custom window. I told him I’d pay for it. He said, “You can’t afford it.”
All I could do was ask for forgiveness. That moment reminded me we all need grace we can’t earn. Forgiveness is often a process, not a moment.
Who—or what—do you need to surrender to God as this year ends?
One Thing to Embrace in 2026: Surrender
Surrender is not giving up. It’s giving over.
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23
Surrender isn’t about fear, it’s about trust. It’s saying, “God, I believe You are good.” Sometimes we feel like we’re chasing God, when in reality, He’s been standing right in front of us the whole time.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
God isn’t asking you to carry guilt into a new year.
He isn’t waiting for you to clean yourself up.
He isn’t standing over you with disappointment.
He’s inviting you:
- Into hope instead of despair
- Into healing instead of bitterness
- Into freedom instead of unforgiveness
- Into trust instead of fear
This isn’t about trying harder. This is about responding to grace.
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends.
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.”— Lamentations 3:22–23
That means:
- Mercy for your past
- Grace for your present
- Hope for your future
For some, the step God is inviting you to take today is surrendering your life to Jesus for the very first time. For others, it’s laying down things He’s been asking you to release. Whatever that step is don’t wait. You don’t walk into a new year by accident. You walk into it by trusting God, one surrendered step at a time.
What is God inviting you to leave behind so you can step into the year ahead with freedom and growth?
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.