message notes

OUTLINE

New Beginnings

Entering 2026 with a Quieted Heart

Standing at the Threshold of a New Year

As we stand at the doorway of a new year—2026—we naturally begin to evaluate our lives.

1. “Don’t Worry” – The Invitation to Release Anxiety

“Do not fret because of evildoers…”

Psalm 37:1

(Other translations say: “Do not worry… Do not be anxious… Do not be agitated.”)

Worry drains joy. Trust restores it.

2. “Trust in the Lord and Do Good” – Choosing Faithful Action

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.”

Psalm 37:3

Trust comes first. Doing good flows from trust.

3. “Take Delight in the Lord” – Re-centering Our Joy

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

Joy is not a luxury for the strong. It is fuel for the faithful.

4. “Commit Everything You Do to the Lord” – Placing the New Year in His Hands

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.”

Psalm 37:5

5. “Be Still in the Presence of the Lord” – The Practice of Quiet Trust

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

Psalm 37:7

Stillness is not inactivity. It is regulated trust.

6. “Don’t Be Angry” – Choosing a Regulated Heart

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper —it only leads to harm.”

Psalm 37:8

A regulated heart is a powerful testimony.

Conclusion: Entering 2026 Anchored, Not Anxious

Psalm 37 gives us a beautiful framework for the new year:

• Don’t worry

• Trust the Lord

• Delight in Him

• Commit everything to Him

• Be still

• Release anger

As we enter 2026, may we be a people who:

• Walk slowly with God

• Live from trust, not fear

• Choose joy as a spiritual discipline

• Carry a quiet confidence that God is at work

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Psalm 37:23