Lift Your Eyes: Entering 2026 With Hearts Fixed on Christ

As this year draws to a close, many of us arrive weary. It has been a bumpy, unsettling, and at times deeply disorienting year, one marked by shaking, division, and uncertainty both in the world and within the Church. And yet, as believers, we are not left without direction or hope (Hallelujah!). Scripture calls us to a higher vantage point.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1–2).

As we prepare to step into 2026, this is not the hour for drifting, distraction, or spiritual complacency. It is the moment to intentionally lift our eyes and fix our hearts and minds on Christ, who is seated in authority, victory, and intercession at the right hand of the Father. He is not anxious. He is not reacting. He reigns.

Watch and Pray

The past year has revealed how quickly our focus can be pulled downward toward fear, outrage, exhaustion, or even despair. But what we behold is what we become shaped by. When our gaze remains fixed on the turbulence around us, our hearts become unsettled. When our gaze is fixed on Christ, clarity returns.

Scripture warns us plainly that our adversary prowls, looking for those who are unaware or weary enough to be caught off guard and led astray. This is why the command by Jesus to watch and pray is not optional, rather something we need to urgently practice: Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

Jesus Himself exhorted His disciples to remain alert, to stay awake, to discern the times. Watching isn’t rooted in fear, but in a sober awareness of what’s happening around us. It doesn’t mean being anxious, it means being alert and spiritually engaged. Prayer isn’t a last resort or a religious exercise, it’s how we stay connected to God’s perspective, keeping us grounded in what He is saying, rather than being swept up in everything else. When we watch and pray, we recognize what’s really going on, and we don’t lose our way. Our discernment sharpens and our steps remain sure. We are not meant to stumble in the dark or follow unfamiliar voices. God has promised to lead His people clearly and faithfully — and this is the promise we cling to as we move forward:

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers (John 10:1-5).

There will be many voices competing for our attention in the days ahead. But the voice of the Shepherd is unmistakable to those who stay close. As we enter 2026, we do not need to have every answer, we just need to stay aligned with Christ, be anchored in Biblical truth. and led by His Spirit.

So let us cross the threshold into this new year with our eyes fixed above and a settled determination to remain close to Christ. Let us shake off the heaviness of what has been and refuse to carry unnecessary fear forward. Let us enter 2026 in a posture of watchfulness and prayer. Our Lord is reigning. And He is still speaking.

May we be found listening, and obedient, when He says, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

God Bless You,

Carole