As we roll into the New Year, I’m asking the Lord for a fresh perspective in 2026. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t even know when I need a fresh perspective. I often seem right in my own eyes (Proverbs 21:2). For example, recently I was taking in all kinds of world news and burdened by the weight of it all. For months I was feeling overwhelmed by the evil on display throughout the globe. I thought my mind was occupied with the right things as I sifted headlines and slid down rabbit holes. Then, a few weeks ago, our pastor told a story about an inmate leading the man who killed his son to Christ. The men were “coincidently” assigned to the same cellblock. Instead of exacting revenge on his son’s murderer, he forgave the man, led Him to Christ, and discipled him. They built what could be called a holy father-son relationship founded in Christ. Not only was the story impactful at face value, but it was a rescue to my heart. It gave me a fresh perspective on where I needed to focus – and it wasn’t keeping my nose in the world news. At the conclusion of the pastor’s story, my heart felt lighter, and I heard the Spirit whisper what He has whispered to me often, “small batch.”

You might be thinking, “Ok, if someone tells me they heard something from the Holy Spirit, I expect it to be a bit more profound than ‘small batch’”. But I knew just what it meant. The Lord has used that term with me for years. When I start to think the things of this world are too big, or that I need to be bigger, have a greater impact, or step up to a bigger platform, He encourages and calms me with “small batch.” By definition, “small batch” means producing goods in limited quantities, often with more care than mass-produced items. It implies smaller production runs, attention to detail allowing for greater control and a richer experience. I know when I hear “small batch” from Him it means I need to focus on what and who He’s given me in the place He’s put me. Doing so can make even a cellblock a Kingdom assignment. The story from our pastor was just the fresh perspective I needed. It was a perspective shift revealing that I should focus on the small world the Lord has intentionally given me – those specific people He has purposely put in my path – and leave the issues of the world to Him. 

As we begin the New Year, let’s ask the Lord where we need His fresh perspective. There are facets of our lives that we just “let ride” or believe are “fine” or “good enough” that He wants to speak into. Where have we possibly gotten off track in our thinking or actions? Are there places in our hearts that He wants to heal? Are there any places in our lives He wants to refine? Are there possible compromises in our lives as we say we want to live in abiding holiness?

This isn’t a self-deprecating exercise or a chance to review your own shortcomings – as tempting as that is (and it is a temptation). It’s an invitation for the Lord to reveal more about Himself to you and more about you to…you. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” What a word of hope and encouragement. He is a God of new beginnings and restoration, and He has a plan for each of us in the New Year.

It’s not that I want a fresh perspective for the sake of freshness or newness in the New Year. Specifically, I want His perspective on every detail of my life. I don’t want to be wise in my own eyes or think I have it all figured out when He has something else altogether (read: better) for me. The calendar is a blank slate for 2026, and I want Him to write every day of the coming year. And I want to write Him into every day. I enjoy knowing the Lord chose me, and I know He enjoys being chosen by me (and all of His children), too.

As we turn the page to a new year and new chapter, ask Him for a fresh start. A fresh perspective. A fresh walk with Him. Fresh eyes to see Him so clearly this year. Ask Him for fresh prayers and an eagerness to read His Word afresh. Ask Him for a year with Him like you’ve never experienced. He is the author of time and is eager to be invited to walk with you in this New Year.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Dear Lord, thank You for new beginnings. We ask for a fresh perspective on You in this New Year. Show us a part of You that we haven’t yet seen. Wow us with Your goodness. Lord, in this New Year, please thin the veil between us. Put a new song in our mouths to praise You this year (Psalm 40:3). We want to see You more clearly than ever this year. We give every day to You. Maranatha! Amen.