When engaged in meditative prayer, it is important to always compare and back up words received with Scripture. Over and over, I see examples of the Lord carrying, lifting, tirelessly rescuing his people. Psalm 40:2 is one such example I love: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

In a world that often seeks to distract or lead us astray, let us take time today to reaffirm our commitment to the things of God. Spend a moment in prayer, asking for strength to persevere and for wisdom to discern what is truly valuable. As we do this, we not only secure our own hearts but also become beacons of light to others, sharing the steadfast love and grace that fill our lives.

When we face trials, whether personal struggles, relational conflicts, or societal issues, the call to trust in the Lord reminds us of the peace and security that comes from a steadfast faith. It assures us that we are anchored, no matter what storms may arise.

There is beauty waiting to unfold in your life. As you journey through your grief, trust that your heart will heal over time, and that hope will emerge from the shadows. You are loved, you are seen, and your story is not over... it's just another starting point. Embrace the moments of joy, however small they may seem, and carry the hope that brighter days lie ahead.

Understanding God’s plan can be challenging. If we could fully comprehend the Creator, that would mean we assume His role – which we cannot. Isaiah reminds us in 55:8 that God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours. Miracles come in unforeseen ways. Therefore, we need not worry, fret, or strive to decipher everything. Place your trust in God and declare, “I don’t know how God will bring this to pass, but I believe He will.” Then, follow His guidance with obedience and prepare yourself for a miracle.

While we are running short on wisdom, inspiration, and direction, God never runs out. When our way seems dark, we must only hold tighter to His hand.

Through footprints unseen, we have confidence that God causes "all things to work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). With each passing wave, let these trials have their full effect: producing an enduring faith that makes us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

It blows my mind that God is infinitely more generous and creative than this. I often don't pray for my dreams and desires, thinking God will discard them as pointless or unnecessary. However, Ephesians 3:20 says that God can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." He knows how time, space, my finances, my family, and the world all fit together together like complex machinery, while I have no such perspective. Don't be afraid to ask God for your dream, the deepest desire of your heart. He may see a way where you see a wall.

I've found that as these doubts arrive, God gives us sweet assurances of his grace as we continue to press into him. He is true to his word. He WILL work in and through us if we believe and obey Him. My prayer is that we will no longer be surprised, but never cease to be amazed that we serve a loving God who saves sinners, transforms lives and uses ordinary people like you and me to accomplish his purposes in a broken world.

Just because our bodies want something, or our hearts long for something, just because something feels good or happens at what we deem the right time, we still need to go to God for wisdom and discernment.

If you've put your faith in Christ, you are the sheep of His pasture. It isn't greener in any other pasture! He made you and you are His. His pasture is full of abundance.

We have a God who teaches and reminds us of His goodness through His creation and through the adventures we take! How cool is that? When we live life looking for God in everything around us, we see His truths covering over the entirety of it.

As we head into this new year, let us remember the birth of Christ and consider it in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. God is with us. We do not need to understand the mystery. We just need to give thanks & trust.

We call to remembrance. It seems so simple, yet it impacts our faith more than we often realize and is a practice we need to incorporate more in our lives. Whether it be stopping for a moment in frenzy and anxiety to recall what God has done, placing physical reminders around your house to remember what God has done, putting on a worship song or audio bible to have what God has done spoken over you, ect. - we need to do these things.

We must too, like David, pray this same prayer found in Psalm 139. In doing so, God draws us closer to Himself. He leads us in the way everlasting, something we do not fully comprehend. But one day we will, when we stand before God in Heaven; until then we need God's help and His Spirit's guiding.

We see it in Jesus' life too, momentarily breaking for prayer. But that could be a whole another post so we won't get into that today. Whether it be in a moment of confusion and breaking for a moment to ask for wisdom, a moment of frustration and breaking for a moment to ask for patience, whatever it may be - let us break and send up arrow prayers. We need Thee every moment Lord! May our prayer lives be a reflection of that.

With life comes change. Try not to fear it. Learn from it as much as possible. But find comfort in the fact that there is a God who does not change and in him is all peace, joy and security.

Get out of God’s way today and tell Him you’re willing to empty your plate. What has He asked you to do to conquer the sins in your life or share His name with the people around you? This year, I will make room for Him, so He is free to use me for something miraculous.

Whether you're the goal-setter or the goal-forgoer - keep this truth in mind. In every fleeting day, hour, minute, second - God has not changed. Take this verse, Hebrews 13:8, scribble it on a notecard and place it somewhere you'll see. Maybe on your bathroom mirror or the bedside table. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

God’s power is there for me. I don’t need to be discontent. God’s power is there for me. I don’t need to be stressed about the people in my life. God’s power is there for me. I don’t need to worry where I should direct my time and energy. If I ask Him, God will tell me.