January 1, 2026 WEST

Jan 1, 2026    Ron Tolson

We begin this new year at the very beginning—Genesis 1—where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, creating order from chaos. This imagery invites us to ask: what is the Spirit currently hovering over in our own lives? As we step into 2026, God is stirring dreams, prayers, and provisions within us. The same creative force that spoke worlds into existence is speaking into our circumstances today. Just as God separated light from darkness and called creation 'good,' He is working to bring new beginnings out of our own chaos. Whether we're navigating grief, uncertainty, or transition, we're reminded that God never stops creating, never stops blessing, and never stops calling us to be His image-bearers. The journey from Genesis to Joshua shows us that new seasons require courage—God promises Joshua that no one can stand against him as long as he stays connected to God's instruction. We're challenged not to let God's Word depart from our mouths or meditations, and to be strong and courageous as we step into our promised lands. This year isn't about overwhelming ourselves with resolutions, but about taking one faithful step at a time, trusting that the Spirit who hovered over creation is hovering over us still.