Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

The week after Christmas always feels a little funny to me. The decorations are still up, the leftovers are questionable, and suddenly everyone is talking about new goals and fresh starts, even though I’m still trying to remember what day it is. It’s that strange in-between space where you’re not quite ready to sprint into a new year, but you also know it’s coming, whether you’re ready or not.

As a new year approaches, I’m noticing how easy it is to quietly place my trust in the wrong things—good things, even. A fresh calendar. A better routine. A clearer plan. The feeling that this year will be the one where I finally get it all together. But Psalms 144–146 gently interrupt that instinct. They remind me that while planning has its place, my hope was never meant to rest on my own ability to hold life steady. David doesn’t point to strategy or strength; he points to the Lord as his rock, his help, and his hope. This shift matters because after bringing our honest prayers to God, we’re invited to decide where our trust will actually live.

That’s why Psalms 144–146 feel like such a gift.

Psalm 144 opens with a grounding reminder: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock.” Before David talks about anything else, he names where his strength actually comes from. And I’m reminded how quickly I try to rely on my own ability to hold things together, when what I really need is to remember who’s holding me.

Psalm 145 shifts our focus even further: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” As we stand at the edge of a new year, this truth feels especially needed. God doesn’t grow impatient with us when we don’t have it all figured out. His faithfulness isn’t dependent on how strong or prepared we feel. Now, everyone says that again if you need to. 

Then Psalm 146 gently redirects our trust: “Do not put your trust in princes… Blessed is he whose help is the Lord his God.” It’s a reminder that people, plans, and even our best intentions will fall short, but the Lord never does. Our hope is safest when it rests in Him.

As we move into what’s next, I’m learning that trust doesn’t require a perfect plan. It simply asks us to place our hope in the One who already knows the way forward. The One who made heaven and earth. The One who keeps faith forever.

We don’t have to have it all together to step into a new year; we just need to know where our help comes from.

Prayer: Lord, when we feel unsure or unprepared, remind us that You are our rock and our help. Teach us to trust You more deeply as we step into new seasons. I pray my eyes stay focused on you in every situation. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

New Year, New Bible Reading Plan

At Venture Church, providing quality Daily Essential tools for spiritual development is a priority we are passionate about. As a result, we provided a Bible Reading Plan in 2020, Daily Devos in 2021, and Family Devos in 2023. We are always looking for ways to better serve the church through resources that assist in the growth of your faith. Thank you for supporting us and joining us on this journey!

This year, we have some exciting additions to our Daily Essential tools. In 2026, Venture Church will begin offering two Bible Reading Plans. Both of these plans will be delivered to your inbox in a weekly summary, replacing daily emails. Scripture, Daily Devos, Family Devos, videos, and relevant links for the week will be delivered in a single, easy-to-access email each Monday morning.

The first plan will be the New Testament Bible Reading Plan, a 5-day-a-week plan that leads readers from Matthew to Revelation in a year. Daily Devos and Family Devos will continue to help readers dig deeper into God’s Word. And this year, we are adding audio recordings of the Daily Devos for on-the-go listening!

The second Bible Reading Plan option will be the One-Year Bible Reading Plan. This 7-day-a-week plan will guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. If you’re looking to read all of the Word this year, this plan is for you! Though Daily Devos will not be connected to this plan, we are excited to provide introduction videos for each Book of the Bible as an additional resource.

Join us January 1st to start a new Bible Reading Plan in the New Year!