Three Resolutions for Fathers in 2026

It’s that time again, when everyone around the planet decides that this is the year their life will change. With a new year comes new aspirations. Many are thinking, “This is finally the year that I get back on track!” “This is the year I hit my weight loss goal.” “This is the year that I finally become financially independent and knock that debt out of my life!”

There are numerous goals, plans, and resolutions that are made on January 1st, but most of them are focused on matters of comfort, security, or self-improvement.

While the realities of comfort, security, and self-improvement are not inherently wrong, apart from a God-centered foundation, these categories become idols. As growing fathers, we must first ask the question, “What resolutions does God want me to make in light of my ministry to my family and the calling He has placed on my life.”

You may resolve to shrink your waistline or grow your bank account and those are good things. But the temptation is often to neglect the first priorities of your relationship to God and your family. So the question remains, how do we seek to make these matters primary as we approach the new year? How can we resolve to live for God and others rather than ourselves? Psalm 90 speaks to these matters in a way that challenges us to consider prioritizing eternal realities. Let’s consider three resolutions taken from this psalm.

Resolution #1: To Live with a Deep Sense of God’s Glory

In the beginning part of Psalm 90, the psalmist recounts the greatness of God and His glorious rule over all creation. In verse 2, he states, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

In vv. 3-4, the psalmist speaks of God’s sovereign rule over man as He “returns man to dust.” All of these references and the verses following are meant to stir the reader towards a deep sense of who God is. And who is God? He is majestic. He is holy. He is the Creator. He is all powerful. He is in control. He is eternal. These are just a few of His characteristics, but how does this guide and direct our goals for the new year?

If we are to live as fathers who prioritize our relationship to God and family in 2026, then we must begin with a deep understanding of our Creator. His glory and majesty are spiritual truths that shape and guide our decision-making and goals for this year. Godly resolutions do not begin with a deep concern for self. No, they begin with a deep concern for God and His glory.

If your goals for 2026 do not reflect one who is concerned for the glory of God but rather concerned for the glory of self, then you need to reconsider your goals. Resolve to live with a deep sense of God’s glory in 2026.

Resolution #2: To Live with a Deep Sense of Your Life’s Brevity

There is also another reality found in this psalm that helps guide and direct our goals for 2026. This reality is found in vv. 9-10,

For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

There is a God-centered stability that comes from knowing that our lifespan is short. This is what James references when he says, “Life is a mist (or a vapor).” The brevity of our lives should compel us to focus our priorities on what truly matters, eternity. This is what is meant by the psalmist saying “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (vs. 12).” Understanding how short and passing our lives are actually gives us a wise heart. A fool is one who is unconcerned with these matters.

But when it comes to practical goal setting, this does not mean that we do not concern ourselves with physical goals of exercise or financial goals of investing towards the future. It does mean that we keep them in perspective rather than be overcome by the sin of anxiety as we worry about them. We set goals and resolutions this year that prioritize eternal impact. We also set goals that allow us to be better stewards of eternal priorities.

Let’s consider a few examples:

• What physical fitness goals can I set this year that allow me to be a better husband, father, and leader for Christ in my community?
• What financial goals can I set that allow me to provide for my family and be overly generous towards others, my local church, and foreign missions?
• What personal goals can I establish that allow me to prioritize my time with the Lord and my family?
• What productivity goals can I put in place that aid me in my task of discipling others and testifying of Christ in my work place?

These are just a few examples of what it means to live for eternal things in our goal-setting and resolutions. But these examples flow from a mindset that acknowledges the brevity of one’s life and the priorities that flow out of this God-centered mindset. Resolve to live with a deep sense of your life’s brevity in 2026.

Resolution #3: To Work Hard Because God is Worthy and Life is Short

Finally, as you consider resolution #1 and #2, also consider where the psalmist ends in vv. 16-17,

Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

One might think that after contemplating God’s glorious rule over all things as well as the brevity of one’s life, that this would lead one to discouragement and complacency.

For example, if my life is short and hard, why should I care about doing anything with it? If God “returns man to dust,” then why should I even try to live long and well? But, this is not where the psalmist goes. He does not find these truths to be discouraging. He finds these truths to be motivating! He prays for God’s favor and then commits to work hard and well for the mission God has given to him.

The psalm ends twice with the phrase “establish the work of our hands.” Not only does he commit to work, but he desires God’s favor and blessing in the work that He does. Resolve to work hard in 2026 because God is worthy and life is short.

Conclusion

So as you begin another year, consider these resolutions. Don’t let another year go by that is spent on the things of this world that will not last for eternity. Let Psalm 90 speak to your soul and direct your resolutions for 2026! And by God’s grace, may this year be lived for His glory alone.

Go ahead and make new resolutions, prepare new budgets, and set new goals, but as you do these things, resolve to live in light of God’s glorious rule and your brief life. And then resolve to work hard for the cause of Christ in your family, community, and beyond until He comes or calls you home.