Always

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause and reflect. The past twelve months may have brought moments of joy, seasons of struggle, or unexpected twists and turns. Whatever the year has held for you, one truth remains steadfast: God is always with us.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These words serve as a powerful reminder that no matter what lies behind or ahead, we are never alone. As we look back and look forward, this promise gives us hope and peace.

Reflection is a way to recognize God’s presence throughout the year—both in the highs and the lows. As you think about the past year, consider how God has been with you:

1. In Joy

What were the highlights of this year? Maybe it was a new opportunity, a celebration with loved ones, or an answered prayer. These moments remind us that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). God’s presence is evident in the blessings He pours into our lives, both big and small.

2. In Challenges

Were there moments this year when life felt heavy? Times when you weren’t sure how you’d make it through? Looking back, you may see God’s sustaining hand at work—giving strength, providing comfort, or guiding you through uncertainty. His promise to be close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) remains true, even in the hardest of times.

3. In the Everyday

Sometimes, God’s presence is most evident in the quiet, ordinary moments of life. A peaceful walk, a kind word, or the strength to persevere in your daily routine can all be signs of His constant nearness.

Take a moment to reflect: Where did you see God this year? How did He walk with you, even when you didn’t realize it at the time?

As we step into a new year, uncertainty often accompanies our hopes and plans. But Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20 reminds us that we never step into the unknown alone. Whether you’re anticipating exciting changes or facing fears about the future, His presence goes with you.

In the busyness of a new year, it’s easy to forget that God is with us. But we can cultivate an awareness of His presence through simple, intentional practices:

• Daily Prayer: Begin and end each day by inviting God into your heart and acknowledging His presence.

• Scripture Reading: Let God’s Word remind you of His promises and guide your steps.

• Journaling: Write down moments where you sense God’s presence or ways He answers prayer throughout the year.

• Community: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to grow in your faith and remind you of God’s faithfulness.

As we reflect on the year behind us and prepare for the one ahead, we can rest in the truth of Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise gives us the confidence to celebrate the joys, endure the trials, and step boldly into the future.

No matter what the coming year holds, you can be sure of this: God will walk with you every step of the way. His presence is constant, His love is unwavering, and His faithfulness endures forever.

So as you close this chapter and begin a new one, take comfort in knowing that you are never alone. The God who has been with you in every moment of this year will be with you in every moment of the next.

Dear God,

Thank you that you are always with us. In moments when we are unsure of what is next, we thank you for your never-ending protection. Protect us as we enter into a new year full of exciting new seasons. We know that you have already gone before us and ordered every step that we are going to take. In this next year make us more like you. Let your image be our image.

Amen.

The Perfect Recipe

I love to cook. Some people even call it my love language when I prepare a meal for them. For as long as I can remember I have loved the intention put into every dish I create, I love thinking about how it’s going to make people feel, and my number one hope is that they feel love.

One thing I would love to master is my mama’s cornbread dressing. I pretty much have all of her dishes down but that one. She has such a way of mixing all of the seasonings that make Thanksgiving so special. Every year I assist her in making it and when it comes to mixing it all together she always says “I got it” I always laugh and pout and reply “well you got it then!” She smiles and pulls it all together.

I don’t know why I’m thinking about Thanksgiving in March, but I have been processing how a lot of the time we don’t have the recipe or the whole picture. It’s annoying and you may even try and replicate it in your own way but it doesn’t come out how you would like so you end up frustrated.

Do you feel like you treat God like that?

Do you find yourself constantly asking why? How could you? Or even how dare you?

Oop am I stepping on some toes today? I know it’s Monday, I’m sorry.

There are going to be moments in life where everything is going to be taken away and you are going to be asking God for answers do you know what he is going to say?

I got it

“But God why am I having to wait so long”

I got it

“When will it happen for me?”

I got it

“Why does it hurt so much?”

I. Got. It.

To be honest, he doesn’t even owe us the I got it part, that’s a gift.

“You cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. “ Ecclesiastes 11:5

We aren’t lost. We aren’t forgotten. We are trying to be in charge of our lives like we created ourselves. Stop trying to duplicate something that is simply one of a kind.

There’s so much power in letting go and surrendering to the power that only God has. You can’t white-knuckle everything and then be praying and asking God to help. It’s not realistic.

Take a deep breath. I mean breathe so deep you feel it in your stomach. Next, breathe out. That breath that you just took signifies you letting go of whatever you have been struggling with.

You can try to do what God does but ultimately whatever you make won’t taste the same. He says that he has it. God has the ultimate unrepeatable, unchangeable recipe. The best news and most beautiful part, we get to be a part of that recipe. Trust him to provide it for you and know that it will taste amazing.

God,

No matter what season of life I am in, I am Yours. You are my center. I trust You to make my life meaningful Your sight, even if I cannot see it. Make my life beautiful in its time. Allow me to wait faithfully with hope.

Amen

A Little While Longer

One of the most unique healing stories in The Bible is the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. For twelve years, she followed the law, protecting others from her uncleanness but the isolation pressed her down. She stood on the sidelines of life, hearing laughter and joy in others. She wondered when her friends stopped sympathizing with her in their conversations and started talking about how they needed to avoid her. She missed pounding out the bread dough, preparing meals, and sitting around the fire on cool nights, soaking up the beauty of the skies and just belonging. She missed the community. At first, she worked hard to avoid touching others when she ventured out, but now she kept her head down, calling out the word “unclean”, knowing she needed to avoid contaminating anyone. Warned, her neighbors gave her a wide walkway. She felt purposeless. The return of joy had slipped away a long time ago.

I have been reflecting the last eight months yes, we should pray, and sometimes it is necessary to wait for God’s timing. But many times we can find ourselves waiting and praying when it may be time to start moving in faith. That is what the woman with the issue of blood did. In the end, Jesus said to her “your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:25-34).

The word for “well” can be interpreted in two ways, “Your faith has made you well” or “Your faith has saved you”. She experienced physical and spiritual healing. While others avoided her, Jesus calls her daughter. With these few words, Jesus makes it clear she belongs, she is safe with Him and her faith in Him healed her.

Most of us will not get through life without experiencing deep loss and sometimes those losses put us on a downward spiral whose destination is total despair. Sometimes we experience shame for our sin or insecurity because something about us causes others to avoid contact. Jesus knows our sorrows. Sometimes we might conclude we don’t measure up to God’s standards. We don’t understand Scripture the way others do. This story reminds me that God isn’t looking for healthy, wise, and smart people, but rather he just wants our trust.

I see myself in this woman carrying around the wounds of my illness, ailments, or life struggles. I find myself sick of the pain so I kind of just stay there. Recently, God has been asking me to put my faith into action by trusting that he has me in every form and to hold on a little bit longer. There is a level of endurance and patience that he wants to envelop me in during this season. There is patience and endurance that we see in this woman with the issue of blood. Yes her days were hard but it didn't keep her from reaching for Jesus.

What do you need to reach out to Jesus for? Feeling restless in this season with where you desire to be? Your faith is making way for you to reach for Jesus to heal whatever aches your broken heart. He has not forgotten about you or your precious story. Keep walking with your head up because he is about to use your story in abundance.

God,

We thank you that you come to the right places and the right time in our lives. That there is love and care that you have for your children that is unmatched and wrapped in an abundance of love. Help us to keep faith and hope alive in our hearts and at the appropriate time to match it with action by fully trusting you with our pain. Help our posture to be one that is fully aligned with what you have already promised us. We believe that if we hold out a little while longer in faith that we will be met with your grace and your mercy.

Amen.