2026 and God’s Mantle of Grace
When our sons were newlyweds, one of the things we deeply desired was for our daughters-in-love to feel welcomed and comfortable in our home. We wanted the girls to feel like family, and the Lord quickly answered our prayers in one simple scenario that’s played out many times over the years.
At the first Christmas gathering of our sons and their beautiful brides, I was anxious to make everything “just so” for them. We exchanged gifts, enjoyed lots of tasty food, and then settled in to relax and chat. We had a large, comfy sectional in our living room. I was sitting in an armchair, engaged in conversation with one of my sons, when the Lord drew my eyes to those girls. Each one had claimed her space on the sectional and was cozied up with a warm throw. (If you ever come to our house, you’ll see that I may have a little addiction to lap quilts/blankets/throws.) Our girls looked to be “home,” and my heart nearly burst with joy!
Those covers were just a symbol of our welcome and love. To see the girls snuggled in, resting, and at ease was the exact answer to our prayers. Even in the 14 years since, when life has thrown a few challenges or heartache or struggles our way, a comfy couch and a warm blanket have been a comforting retreat from all of the hard or sad or frustrating.
Friends, I’m not sure what your 2025 looked like, and I surely have no idea what the Lord will allow or bring your way in 2026. But I do know that He longs to cover you with His grace whatever the circumstances. Sweet grace – the gift of God’s undeserved, unearned favor. John Piper fleshes out the concept of grace with these words – “that this favor overflows in powerful, practical helpfulness from God in your daily life where you need it most.” Who doesn’t need more of all of that pouring over us in the year ahead?!
I doubt that any of us are naïve enough to believe 2026 will be trouble-free. (See John 16:33 – trouble is pretty much guaranteed.) But I’m confident that whatever we encounter is worth bringing home to the welcoming arms of the Father’s rest and care. He’s already gone ahead of you, and His gentle mantle of grace awaits you. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
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May these Psalms encourage you to run to Him when you find yourself in need in 2026.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” – Psalm 91:104
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” – Psalm 34:8
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” – Psalm 28:7
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake.” – Psalm 46:1-3
