As we step into 2026, many of us are looking at a world that feels increasingly unstable. We are on a war footing, living in an increasingly darkened world where spiritual attacks seem to come from every angle. Faith gets mocked, culture pushes deeper levels of depravity, and temptation lurks around every corner. It is easy to look at the headlines and feel disheartened.

However, the Bible offers a profound framework for spiritual renewal that does not depend on external circumstances but on the internal transformation of the believer.

Romans 12 provides the blueprint for this transformation, urging us to renew our minds and live out our faith in practical, tangible ways. This chapter intertwines beautifully with the promise of Psalm 27:13, where David declares, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

We aren’t just waiting for Heaven; we are called to see God’s goodness right now. But to stand against the wiles of the devil and flourish in a darkened world, we must be like the tree described in Psalm 1—deeply rooted.

Jeremiah echoes this image in chapter 17:7–8: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

Notice the promise: the rooted believer does not panic when heat comes. The drought does not stop his fruitfulness.

This is the life God offers us in 2026—not an escape from difficulty, but a supernatural stability in the midst of it.

Renew Your Resolve

The foundation of a victorious year begins in the mind and the heart. Romans 12:1–2 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This isn’t a one-time event; it is a daily resolve to choose God over the world.

The Greek word for “renewing” (anakainosis) appears only twice in the New Testament—here and in Titus 3:5, where it describes the “renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

This is not self-improvement; it is Spirit-empowered transformation. We cannot renew our minds by sheer willpower any more than we could save ourselves by our own works. The Holy Spirit does the renewing, but we must present ourselves as willing vessels.

Clarify Your Calling

Before you can renew your mind, you must be certain of your foundation. Before you can live daily for Christ, there’s one thing you need to settle: your salvation. Are you saved? Are you sure?

The Bible urges us in 2 Peter 1:10, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

If there is any doubt in your mind, let’s get this right together. The ABCs of salvation are straightforward:

Admit you are a sinner: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We’ve all fallen short, and we are all guilty before God.

Believe in Jesus: He died for your sins and rose again. He is the only one who is able to pay your sin debt in full. Romans 6:23 reminds us that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Confess Him as Lord: Call on Him in faith, asking Him to save you, and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Romans 10:13 promises, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

When you have secured your salvation, you have a rock-solid hope to stand on. Your eternity is locked in, and Heaven is your inheritance—end of story. This settled assurance is the bedrock upon which all spiritual renewal is built.

Cultivate Your Commitment

Once your foundation is secure, Romans 12:1 beseeches us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. The word “beseech” (parakaleo) is a term of tender urgency—Paul is not commanding from a distance but pleading with us as a father would plead with his children. He appeals to “the mercies of God” as the motivation. We do not sacrifice in order to earn God’s mercy; we sacrifice because we have already received it.

This requires cultivating daily habits that keep us battle-ready. To stand strong, we need to be battle-ready every single day. Build your daily and weekly habits on three key principles: a vibrant prayer life, daily time in God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers.

Consider your daily schedule. Is it built around the world’s demands or God’s will? Reading God’s Word daily is essential because the Bible isn’t just a best-selling book—it’s your weapon against the enemy and your spiritual guide. Jesus Himself modeled this when He responded to Satan’s temptations in the wilderness with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). The Word was His sword, and it must be ours.

You don’t need to read a dozen chapters a day; what matters is depth. Pick a passage, read slowly, and pray for spiritual discernment.

Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein.”

When you are steeped in Scripture, you’ll spot temptation a mile away and have the truth to counter lies.

Confirm Your Conviction

The world isn’t neutral—it’s a battlefield. There is immense cultural pressure to compromise what you believe. To renew your resolve, you must confirm your conviction that God’s will is “good, and acceptable, and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

We confirm this conviction by putting on the whole armour of God. Ephesians 6:11 commands, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” This armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—keeps us steady as we trust in God’s strength to hold us up.

Root Your Relationships

Christianity is not a solo sport. Romans 12:3–18 transitions from our vertical relationship with God to our horizontal relationships with others. Just as a tree’s roots intertwine with the soil and other roots for stability, we must root our relationships in biblical love.

The imagery of the body in Romans 12:4–5 is profound: “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

We are not merely connected to Christ; we are connected to each other through Christ. A hand severed from the body is useless. A Christian severed from the body of believers is spiritually weakened.

Build Bonds

God gave you unique gifts for a reason—to serve others. Romans 12:6 speaks of “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” 1 Peter 4:10 urges, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The happiest people aren’t chasing their own dreams; they’re pouring into others. Why? Because focusing on someone else’s needs takes the spotlight off your own troubles.

Philippians 2:4 instructs, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” This outward focus is the antidote to the inward spiral of anxiety and self-pity.

Find your place to serve.

It could be volunteering at your church—teaching kids, greeting newcomers, or cleaning up. Or it might be using your skills, like cooking or fixing things, to bless someone in need.

When you serve faithfully, you are functioning as a healthy part of the body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of thee” (1 Corinthians 12:21). Your service matters.

Bridge Barriers

We live in a divided time. However, Romans 12:14 instructs us to “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” This is a radical call to bridge barriers. You might face ridicule from friends, coworkers, or even family for your faith. The temptation is to retreat or retaliate, but God calls us to love.

Jesus put it plainly in Mark 12:31, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This includes the difficult coworker and the neighbor who disagrees with you. Romans 12:18 adds, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Notice the realism: Paul acknowledges that peace is not always possible, but he places the responsibility on us to do everything within our power to pursue it.

Treat coworkers with kindness, even if they’re difficult. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” By doing so, you bridge a barrier and show them the light of Christ. Your graciousness in the face of hostility may be the very testimony that opens a heart to the gospel.

Bolster Brotherhood

We cannot neglect the fellowship of the saints. Hebrews 10:25 warns us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” You need other believers—and they need you. Isolation weakens us; community strengthens us.

The phrase “as ye see the day approaching” is significant. As the return of Christ draws nearer and the world grows darker, our need for fellowship intensifies, not diminishes. The early church understood this. Acts 2:42 records, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Steadfastness was their hallmark.

To bolster this brotherhood in 2026:

• Get to church: Don’t just stay home, stream a sermon, and call it church. Physical presence matters.
• Sharpen each other: Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Believers will encourage you when your faith’s shaky and challenge you when you’re drifting.
• Stand together: Together, you’re a witness against the darkness. Ecclesiastes 4:12 promises, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Rally Your Resilience

The Christian life is not immune to trials. In fact, Jesus warned that “in this world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). To see God’s goodness in the land of the living, we must rally our resilience.

Resilience is not merely bouncing back; it is bouncing forward—allowing the trial to produce something in us that was not there before. James 1:2–4 explains: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The word “perfect” here means mature or complete. Trials are God’s gymnasium for spiritual growth.

Sustain Strength

How do we keep going when we feel like fainting? We sustain our strength through prayer. In the Christian life, prayer isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, “Pray without ceasing.”

This doesn’t mean you’re on your knees 24/7, but it does mean maintaining a constant awareness of God’s presence and a readiness to speak to Him at any moment. When temptation creeps in or faith comes under fire, pray for strength. James 5:16 promises, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Consider Daniel, who prayed three times daily even when it meant being thrown into a den of lions (Daniel 6:10). His prayer life was not disrupted by persecution; it was the very thing that sustained him through it. Make it a habit to pause when you’re stressed and ask for His guidance. This constant connection to God is how you sustain the strength to keep standing.

Secure Stability

Our stability is not found in the economy, politics, or our health. The news, social media, and even casual conversations are full of fear-mongering. Everywhere you look, someone’s trying to scare you into panic mode. But God has a different message. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re told, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

The phrase “sound mind” comes from the Greek sophronismos, meaning self-discipline or wise discretion. God gives us not only power to act and love to motivate, but also a clear, disciplined mind that is not swayed by every alarming headline. This is the stability the world cannot manufacture.

We secure stability by rejoicing in hope and being patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12). No matter where you’re at or what’s gone wrong, Jesus Christ offers hope. When you accept Him, the world’s chaos loses its grip on you. Trials don’t get the final word—He does. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” A stayed mind is a stable mind.

Solidify Steadfastness

To rally resilience, we must decide to stand fast. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” The phrase “quit you like men” is an old English way of saying “act courageously.” This means when the arrows fly, we lean on Him.

Consider the posture Paul describes. He doesn’t say “run” or “advance”—he says “stand.” Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is simply refuse to move.

Temptation? You’ll resist. Persecution? You’ll overcome. Fall down? God will help you get back up again.

Proverbs 24:16 assures us, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” The mark of the righteous is not perfection but perseverance.

God’s armor doesn’t fail. By solidifying your steadfastness in His Word, you ensure that you are not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or every storm of circumstance (Ephesians 4:14). You become the rooted tree of Jeremiah 17—unmoved by drought, unshaken by heat.

Rest in the Promise

Psalm 1 promises that the man who delights in the law of the Lord “bringeth forth his fruit in his season.” As we renew our resolve, root our relationships, and rally our resilience, we can expect to reap spiritual rewards—not just in Heaven, but here in the land of the living.

The rest God offers is not the rest of inactivity but the rest of trust. Hebrews 4:9–11 speaks of a “rest” that remains for the people of God—a Sabbath-rest that comes from ceasing our own works and trusting in His finished work. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,” the writer urges. There is an effort involved in resting; it is the effort of faith, the discipline of trust.

Receive the Reward

When we live peaceably with all men and serve faithfully, we receive the reward of a fruitful life. Serving faithfully isn’t just about church or sharing your faith—it’s about how you live every moment, including your job. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

This mindset changes everything. It means doing your job with integrity, even when it’s tough. The result of this faithful service is a life that glorifies God. You may not see it immediately, but consistent, faithful living produces a harvest of peace.

Galatians 6:9 encourages, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Serving others is not a burden—it is a joy that fills your soul and yields eternal dividends.

Remember Your Heritage

One of the greatest rewards of faithfulness is the heritage we leave. When you are saved, you are adopted into the family of God.

Romans 8:15–17 explains, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”

This is a legal transaction that cannot be undone; He will never disown you. Your eternity is locked in.

This security allows us to build a heritage of faith for our families. By standing strong today, we model a faith that our children and grandchildren can follow. Psalm 78:4 calls us to declare “to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”

We honor our heritage as children of God by living in a way that reflects our Father. The world is watching. Your children are watching. The next generation needs to see that faith in Christ is not a Sunday ritual but a daily reality that sustains us through every storm.

Reflect the Light

Finally, as we receive these rewards and remember our heritage, we become beacons of hope.

Matthew 5:14–16 says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The world is getting darker, but the darker it gets, the brighter your light shines when you serve faithfully. You do not generate your own light—you reflect the Light of the World (John 8:12). When you share your story—how Jesus saved you, changed you, and carries you—you are reflecting that light to a world groping in darkness. Your story could be the spark that leads someone else to salvation.

2 Corinthians 4:6 declares, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The same God who said “Let there be light” at creation has shined that light into your heart. Now let it shine out.

Living a Rooted Life in 2026

As we begin 2026, let us not be fearful. Instead, let us be faithful. The battle is real, but so is your victory in Christ. God has not left us defenseless. He has equipped us to stand, to serve, and to see His goodness.

Here is how you can walk this out immediately:

• Embrace Daily Renewal: Don’t let the news dictate your mood. Begin each day with Scripture meditation. Pick a passage—maybe a Psalm or a Proverb—read it slowly, and ask God what He is saying to you. Let Romans 12:2 be your morning prayer: “Transform me by the renewing of my mind.”
• Foster Patient Waiting: When stress hits, practice Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Make it a habit to pause when you’re stressed and end the day with thanksgiving.
• Cultivate Deep Roots: Commit to one relational investment monthly. It’s tempting to stay home, but get to church or join a Bible study. You need other believers to help you hold the line. Embrace fellowship as intentionally as you schedule work meetings.
• Anticipate Generational Fruit: Your faithful service at work and home isn’t just about getting by; it’s about glorifying God and leaving a legacy. Share your redemption story with your family and neighbors. Be intentional about passing on your faith to the next generation.

Let’s make 2026 a year of deep roots and abundant fruit. By renewing your resolve, rooting yourself in godly relationships, and rallying your resilience through prayer, you ensure that you are battle-ready every single day. The world may be getting darker, but your light has never been more needed to point others to the victory found in Christ.

Remember Psalm 27:13: “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

You will see His goodness this year. Believe it. Stand on it. And when the world asks why you have hope in a hopeless age, point them to the One who is your hope—Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).