As we approach the beginning of February (yes, we’re already one month into 2026), many of us will be feeling tired. Maybe even a little blue. After all the festivities and business of December, the month of January with its endless dark days, dreary weather and seemingly little to look forward to, can be a little depressing. This is especially true for those who live in hardship, for people who struggle to heat their homes, or who do not even have a home, those who struggle to pay the bills, or who live alone, the first month of the year can seem endlessly worrying and lonely.

And as tempting as it is to wish away the time and speed on the months until the start of spring, there is another way. For January, with all its worries and difficulties, is the perfect time to turn our hearts to God. For, as Christians, we know that we will face difficult times, and this may be just the simple fact of the tiredness that the long dark months instil, or it may be more worrying difficulties – what to eat, how to pay the bills, how to find the time to do the housework or revise for an exam for example – but whatever our worries, we know that we can place them in God’s hands.

And, whilst we know that the Lord cannot take away our problems, what we also know is that, in Christ, we can find the peace and strength to face our problems and work our way to solutions. Our lives won’t always be easy, but through Christ, our hearts can feel the love and peace that God gives to all who follow in His path.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.