Category: Mind & Thoughts

Reflecting on 2025 Before Launching 2026

Walking in my neighborhood, I spied several families already taking down lights and removing lawn decorations. At home, pine needles shedding from my Christmas tree announce the final days of the “most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear yet for some of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months in preparation for the year ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept into the current of 2026?

  1. What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind since the things we read, watch, listen to, and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in 2025:

Bible in a Year:  I always made excuses for not committing to reading the Bible in a year, but in 2025 I gave it a try using a chronological reading plan on the YouVersion app. Instead of going through a devotional book, I started reading Scripture daily on my phone while eating breakfast.  I’d be lying if I didn’t confess a few sections were a bit of a slog, but overall, the experience enhanced my understanding of the Bible’s cohesiveness. Reading it chronologically also brought depth and context to the specific books I studied with groups during the year (Revelation and Matthew).  I benefitted from  my daily reading so much, I’m doing it again in 2026. Want to join me? Studies show that reading the Bible four times or more each week is a key indicator of life transformation.1 Let me know if you’re giving it a try.

Studying Revelation: I’ve always shied away from the last book of the Bible but when my women’s Bible study at church chose Jen Wilkin’s Revelation workbook, I dove in headfirst. Writing blogs about this apocalyptic book for ten weeks felt like being back in college. Despite the challenge, I realized that I’ve been missing out on understanding the whole story of Scripture by avoiding Revelation. With a reliable teacher guiding me and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, even the most intimidating book of the Bible became not only accessible, but inspiring.

Books: A few years ago, a friend gave me Name Above All Names by Alastair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson. Finally making time to read it this year, I see it as a new classic. Examining seven key qualities of Jesus’ identity and ministry helped me to have a clearer picture of who He is and all He has done for us. I also re-read an old classic: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. So many familiar examples we use to explain our faith find their roots in Lewis’ writing. Classic books and older authors sometimes don’t grab our attention the way popular or current ones do, but many newer books just re-package great writers’  ideas. Will you consider reading or listening to at least one classic book this year that will expand your knowledge about the Lord or some aspect of your faith journey?

Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, one that consistently expanded my knowledge and spurred on my faith was Susie Larson Live. Susie’s knowledge of Scripture and desire to bring health and wholeness to her listeners’ minds, bodies, and spirits provide meaningful content and clear action steps.

Now, that you’ve read my answers, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2026 so that the world shapes you less and the Holy Spirit shapes you more?

2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally and/or spiritually?

In-Person Discipleship: Studying the Bible with small groups of high school girls regularly and mentoring a few college girls one on one showed me the power of consistent connection. Asking the Spirit to use the gifts, wisdom, and knowledge He’s given me has led to relationships that have blessed me beyond measure. I’ve seen that growth happens little by little studying God’s Word together. As relationships deepen, trust grows, and life transformation occurs for everyone involved.

If you’re a mature believer, will you pray and invite the Lord to use you to walk alongside someone younger in faith this year? And if you’re new to faith or just checking things out, will you ask the Lord to lead you to a spiritually mature person who can help you learn and grow?

Stillness and Silence: I am a person of action, but the Lord has reminded me that I need to slow myself to His pace instead of demanding that He move at mine (which is usually faster and involves less patience.) Through slowing down over the holiday season and practicing silence and stillness daily, I experienced some profound moments with the Lord. In one instance, He convicted me of sin, in another He reminded me to seek Him for comfort about a situation I was grieving. During another time of stillness He reminded me that even good things like family and friends can become idols that take His rightful place on the throne of my life. Had I been rushing through the holiday season and using busyness to avoid confronting pain, I would have missed hearing from the Lord.

Fasting: Studying the Gospel of Matthew recently, I was struck by a statement Jesus makes in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” (5:16a, 17, 18a) Jesus assumes that His followers fast regularly, and although I’ve practiced it from time to time, this has never been a regular discipline for me. So, in the past few months, I’ve given it a try. Fasting has been a physical way to direct my energy (and angst) when I’m praying for something that feels beyond me. I’m still learning, but it’s been a surprisingly positive experience thus far.

Now, how did you grow personally and/or spiritually in the past year?

3) Where will you focus your energy in 2026?

I want to be used by God to bless others, make disciples, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him. This year I hope to grow in my understanding of God’s grace and to recognize I am never above needing it. I also hope to re-route some of my unhealthy thought patterns by asking the Lord to help me take my thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and renew my mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Before launching into 2026, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on the past helps us to be more intentional about the future. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV) Happy New Year!

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  1. “Bible Engagement and ‘The Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth”, Center for Bible Engagement  

Fighting Back

Note: For my summer series I’ll be drawing on inspiration from experiences happening during this more unstructured season. Posts may be less regular, but you’ll still find plenty of biblically rooted inspiration, encouragement, and gentle nudging to let God expand your comfort zone.

 Pedaling through verdant fields, past narrow canals, and into bustling towns throughout the lowlands of Europe, one constant always caught my eye—church steeples. They always stood as the tallest points on the horizon or the most noteworthy buildings in town squares. And although many have become more like museums or tourist attractions, they still hold rich biblical symbolism for anyone interested in finding it.

Less than thirty minutes outside of Amsterdam, Saint Bavo’s Church towers above all the other buildings in the picturesque town of Haarlem. Wandering through the cavernous sanctuary felt like going on a treasure hunt as I discovered many objects symbolizing biblical truth. While the vibrant stained-glass windows, enormous pipe organ, and historical artifacts were all impressive, I was most intrigued by the brass hand rail leading down the stairs of the elevated pulpit. It had been shaped into the curving body of a snake ending with the head at the base of the stairs. Puzzled to see a serpent in the church, I learned that it symbolized the enemy slithering away from the Word of God as it is proclaimed from the pulpit.

This striking image calls to mind the temptation of Jesus at the start of His public ministry. While the enemy lures Him to sin, Jesus fights back with Scripture. During the final temptation “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:10-11, NIV) Note how Jesus fends off the attacks of the enemy using God’s Word. Sometimes as His followers, we don’t behave like we have spiritual authority or remember we have access to this same power, but Scripture makes it clear we do:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV)

Recently I found myself in a downward spiral of discouragement.  An old relational wound tore open and flooded my mind with convincing lies. The enemy had capitalized on one of my weak spots and was tapping into some longtime insecurities from the past. After two days of wallowing in self pity, I finally fought back using spiritual weapons. Instead of remaining in misery, seeking reassurance from my husband, or trying to numb myself with distractions, I confronted all of the ugly thoughts that had been poisoning my mind.

Sitting alone in my backyard, I wrote until my hand ached, pouring out my struggles to God in my prayer journal. Once I’d purged all my angst and fears, the Lord  comforted me through His Word.  With my heart softened, God also enabled  me to see where I’d let old and unhealthy thought patterns creep back into my mind. I took ownership of the areas I’d sinned, sought forgiveness, and  laid down my lingering pain before Him.  Focused time reading the Bible and praying changed my perspective and reminded me of deep truth that led to restored peace. The serpent slithered away as I buckled on the belt of truth and recognized how I’d been deceived.

I’ve been attacked spiritually before, but I still fell for the enemy’s lies. It wasn’t enough knowing that spiritual armor was available to me, I had to use it. When do you get lured in by the enemy’s schemes? Are you arming yourself with tools God has given you? Maybe the relaxed pace of summer has distracted you from praying and opening your Bible  consistently. Or maybe  you’re struggling with anxious thoughts, nagging fears, or challenging relational dynamics. Has the serpent slithered in and magnified an area of weakness in you?  Instead of feeling defeated, remind yourself of truth and put what you know into practice. Claim your spiritual authority, engage the armor of God, and send the enemy packing. You can take a deeper dive into this important topic right now by clicking here: “The Armor of God.”

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The Armor of God

Closing in on the final chapter of Ephesians, Paul leaves us with a powerful image to review key points he’s covered. He reminds believers of their true adversary and then shows us all of the spiritual resources we have at our disposal:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

Prompted by his surroundings in prison, Paul uses pieces of a Roman soldier’s armor as visual reminders of spiritual tools available to believers. As an expert in Hebrew scriptures, he’s also drawing a comparison from a prophecy about the Messiah in the book of Isaiah:

“The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” (Isaiah 59:15b-17, NIV)

In this passage Isaiah describes One who will intervene on behalf of sinners to bring justice to humankind. A commentary explains, “The One who is offended by sin, the Holy God, became the intercessor for the people…The offended rescues the offenders…Therefore, God puts on his armor. He is going to battle to save his people. He not only puts on garments of righteousness but also garments of vengeance. And most beautifully, he wraps himself with a cloak of zeal. The Lion of Judah has watched this mess for too long… The enemy now is the greatest one of all, sin and Satan and his spiritual forces of wickedness. These are the ones he is going to conquer like a mighty warrior.”1

Paul brings this notion full circle in Ephesians, celebrating Christ as the intercessor acting on behalf of sinners. When we read Ephesians 6:10-18 we discover that God conquers, then puts His armor on us and equips us for spiritual battle as well. If you’ve read Ephesians 6 recently, you probably recognize the parallels from the Isaiah passage above: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17, NIV)

As he closes, Paul reminds believers of all the riches he’s been writing about throughout his letter. Physical armor provides a memorable summary of what he’s written. 

The Belt of Truth encircles us. It protects us from the lies and deceptions of the enemy and provides the core support we need to pursue spiritual maturity. It also keeps us from damaging our relationships with others:

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” (1:13a)
  • “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (4:15)
  • “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (4:21)
  • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (4:25)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts from the accusations of the enemy. It reminds us that we wear the righteousness of Christ and can never be condemned or shamed for our sin because Christ has already atoned for it.

  • “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:24)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Gospel of Peace equips us with the readiness to walk confidently in faith without the hindrance of fear, anxiety, or sin. Being at peace with God also brings peace between believers, regardless of their differing backgrounds.

  • “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:2)
  • “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (2:14)
  • “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” (2:15b)
  • “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (2:17)
  • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

The Shield of Faith protects us from attacks of the evil one. Through faith in Christ we are adopted as God’s children and given the protection, rights, and privileges reserved for members of His holy and eternal family. 

  • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (2:8)
  • “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:12)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (3:16-17a)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (4:4-6)
  • “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (4:11-13)

The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds and allows us to remain clear thinking and sound minded. Wearing it affects how we view all things: ourselves, our circumstances, God, and others.

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)

The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God and is the only offensive weapon we have or need. We can discover the extent of our spiritual authority and power within the pages of Scripture. With the help of the Spirit, we can have wisdom and revelation to know God better and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

  • “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13b)
  • “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (1:17)
  • “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (2:18)
  • “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (2:22)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (3:16)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” (4:4)
  • “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (4:30)
  • “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:18)

Learning each element of the Armor of God provides a simple way to remember the incredible spiritual resources always within our grasp. If you’d like to delve deeper into any of the specific aspects of the Armor of God, click on the links below to access blogs written while I was studying The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

1. Berry Kercheville, “Isaiah 59: God Was Appalled” August 2020

Rooted and Established

At the tender age of six, I was starting first grade at a new school. My family was in the process of moving to a town an hour away, but our new home wasn’t ready yet. So, my four older siblings and I spent the first six weeks of the school year commuting with our dad to our new schools. Every morning I woke up in the dark feeling utter dread. A lump would form in my throat and I’d fight back tears when my mom kissed me goodbye. As our station wagon rumbled down the freeway, the anxious butterflies in my stomach intensified with every mile. I dreaded being away from the comfort and security of my mom’s presence and felt untethered and cast adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces at my new school.

My tearful departures didn’t let up until one day when my mom leaned down to hug me and said, “Even though I can’t be there with you, Jesus can. Just remember that He’s there holding your hand, no matter what.” Her words were such a comfort to me that my tears began to ebb. Every day after that I’d plead, “Tell me again, mom. Tell me about Jesus holding my hand.” Armed with that reassuring knowledge, the angst I’d felt soon faded. 

I’m grateful my mom used that emotional season to point me to Jesus, knowing His presence would comfort me when hers couldn’t. In the midst of my struggles, she taught me to change my perspective so that I could grow stronger and learn to trust Jesus for myself. Like a tree held firmly by deep roots, I learned that attaching myself to Him kept me secure, no matter what challenges I encountered. (See Psalm 1:1-3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 for other examples of this tree metaphor in Scripture.)

That story came to mind as I read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19, NIV)

Here, Paul wraps up three chapters explaining our new identity as children of God and inclusion as fellow citizens with His chosen people. Now he prays we will grasp the magnitude of our new status and live like we believe it’s true. Being rooted and established in love means knowing who we are because we know WHOSE we are—beloved children of the King of Kings. Through the sacrifice of Christ, God did everything necessary to root us in Him; Paul prays that we would grasp this incredible truth with every fiber of our being.

The word “power” used in this translation is the Greek word “katalambano” which means: to take eagerly, seize, possess, apprehend, attain, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive.1 It “implies more than a mental understanding. It literally means ‘to take hold of something and make it one’s own.’ In order for the Ephesian Christians to truly understand the ‘love that surpasses knowledge,’ they needed to go beyond hearsay. This kind of comprehension is experiential. It requires us to take hold of a truth and define ourselves by it. Paul was encouraging them—and all saints everywhere—to meditate on what it means to be fully loved by God for the sake of Christ. He wanted them to grasp God’s love in all its fullness; to know … God’s love is all-encompassing, far exceeding our ability to comprehend. Its breadth and length and height and depth are staggering. It requires meditation, soul-searching, and honesty in order to draw near enough to God to comprehend His nature (James 4:8).”2

My “experiential knowledge” of God’s love began in first grade. The reassurance that Jesus was holding my hand gave me the comfort and security I longed to have. I’ve continued to build on my knowledge and experience since then– growing deeper roots in God’s love through prayer, studying Scripture, and practicing the way of Jesus.

How often do you marvel at the fullness of God’s love for you? How does knowing that He loves you beyond comprehension affect the way you view yourself and interact with others? Regardless of your answers, there’s always an opportunity to deepen your understanding and experience the Lord more fully. Consider spending time in prayer this week inviting God to expand your capacity to experience His love and to let it change your perspective.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024.

1. Strong’s Concordance 2638 

2. Got Questions, “What Does It Mean to Comprehend the ‘Breadth, Length, Height, Depth’ in Ephesians 3:18?”

Let it Unfold

It’s been almost a year since God answered an angsty prayer by speaking to me in a dream. I’d found myself in a familiar situation—coordinating logistics for my family’s schedule and feeling frustrated that everyone wasn’t in sync. A tense conversation with one of my kids hadn’t ended well and I’d gone to bed discouraged. After tossing and turning for several hours, I fell into a fitful sleep while my brain continued to process a solution to our stalemate. 

My son’s lack of willingness to adjust to my plan was going to cost time and money as well as causing great inconvenience. Before falling asleep, I’d been weighing the different approaches I could use to get him to see the situation from my perspective. Exhausted, I eventually drifted off to sleep when, just before waking, calming words in a dream filled me with peace. I don’t think I heard the Lord audibly, but His message was clear: “Let it unfold.”

Pulling back the covers in the dawn light, I chose to trust God’s gentle voice as I anticipated the day ahead. Instead of trying to convince my son to get on board with my logistically “superior” plan, I held off and opted to let events unfold without intervening. A few months later, when the plans came to fruition, I understood what the Lord had been doing. The plan that, in my mind, had seemed illogical and inconvenient actually turned out to be God’s provision—a needed respite in an unexpected season of intensity in our family.

I view time as a precious commodity and see efficiency as the key to prevent wasting it. There’s nothing I love more than a well-crafted plan that works out exactly as I expect. But in the past year, the Lord has reminded me again and again of that phrase He gave me last summer: “Let it unfold.” When I’m tempted to speak up and step in to fix, suggest, or point out a better way to do something, I’m learning to pause and pray first. In my attempts to help others or improve situations, my proactivity can short-circuit the learning process for someone else. Worse still, it can squelch the Holy Spirit from moving or speaking.

We live in a fast-paced world and most of us don’t believe we have time to slow down and let things unfold, but that’s not the way of Jesus. When I’m tempted to rush or to force my plan on someone else, I’m reminded that Jesus was never in a hurry. He never rushed. Likewise, God never forces Himself or His plans on us. He waits patiently and delights when we choose to follow His ways instead of ours. I love how Jesus says this in The Message (a contemporary language paraphrase of the Bible): 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Learning to “let it unfold” has been an exercise in restraint for the past year. But as I’ve held back and waited longer than I would have preferred, I’ve watched the Lord move and have witnessed His “unforced rhythms of grace” more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s with one of my adult kids, other times, it’s been with extended family, or people I serve with or lead in ministry. Letting things unfold has helped me avoid unneeded tension with others that often comes with unsolicited advice, unwelcome opinions, and forced decisions. The Lord has shed light on pride that leads me to see my way of doing things as “best.” He’s humbled me and helped me to recognize the beauty of letting others learn through experience instead of being subjected to my “helpful” suggestions. I’m still growing in patience but am seeing the positive results of trusting His timing instead of acting on my impulses. 

What about you? Are you ever tempted to intervene and fast track the learning process for someone else? Do you sometimes want to help others see the value of your perspectives or opinions whether they’re ready to listen or not? Are you quick to offer a suggestion or observation before inviting the Holy Spirit to intercede? Letting things unfold doesn’t mean doing nothing, but it does mean pausing to pray. Sometimes the Lord may prompt you to speak up or step in; at other times He’ll guide you to hold off and wait. Seeking His guidance enables you to be confident that you’re relying on God’s wisdom instead of your knee-jerk response.

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Learning to Lament

“Life often hurts, and we need to know how to pray when it does,” Jennifer Rothschild declares in When You Pray. Maybe prayers of lament aren’t a regular part of your times with the Lord; expressing passionate grief or sorrow isn’t something we do well as a culture. Rather than feeling the depth of our emotions, we expend tremendous energy trying to avoid them. 

We’ve learned to sidestep pain in many creative ways. Here are a few strategies that have become common in our culture:

Numbing: Physical pain in our bodies signals to us that something needs attention. However, if we numb the pain of a toothache without addressing the root issue, the problem grows bigger. Yet many of us do this with our emotions—we feel the unpleasant sensation of pain and we rush to numb it with alcohol, pills, binge watching Netflix, shopping, or something else. Anesthetizing may lessen the pain for a while, but it brings only short-term relief.

Busyness & Distraction: Like waving a toy in front of a toddler crying for his mother, we occupy ourselves with distractions that make us forget emotional pain, at least for a little while. Maybe it’s keeping a full social calendar, scrolling social media, flooding our minds with mental inputs like podcasts or audio books, or throwing ourselves into serving others or working. We often use busyness and distractions to avoid feeling our emotions.

Denial & Avoidance: Sometimes we like to pretend the pain isn’t there. We think that if we don’t acknowledge its existence, it can’t take us under. Like getting caught in a forceful ocean current, we try to resist its power and exhaust ourselves fighting against it. But as a wise pastor once told me, grief waits for us for as long as it takes for us to reckon with it.

Pursuing Pleasure: Taking a vacation, looking for laughs, or deciding we “deserve” to eat with abandon can be coping mechanisms we use trying to counterbalance the pain we’re feeling. Wanting to feel good for just a moment, we justify spending money or consuming calories in an effort to soothe the hurt gnawing inside of us. Often, we end up feeling worse than we did before.

Negative Comparisons: I’ll never forget risking to lament about a painful situation I was experiencing. My confidante responded by saying, “Well, at least…” and then proceeded to share something similar she’d gone through that was much worse. Instead of listening with empathy, she minimized my sadness. I felt foolish and guilty for letting my “lesser” problem affect me so deeply. Trying to make ourselves (or others) feel better through negative comparisons just makes the burden heavier.

Positive Spin: Sometimes we take a hard situation and, instead of processing our painful emotions, we try looking at the bright side. I’ve often tried to console myself and others by focusing only on the benefits emotional hardship could bring. But failing to acknowledge the pain is like covering a wound before cleaning it out—it festers and prevents healing.

Spiritual Bypassing: For a lover of Scripture like me, another way I’ve avoided feeling my sadness is by veering around it. Before even allowing my emotions to surface fully, I’m already trying to find ways to explain away the pain or learn spiritual truth from it. It’s short-sighted to think we can “skip over our pain and just have Jesus ‘fix’ us.”1

We can stave off painful emotions, but ultimately if we don’t deal with them, they leak out of us at times we don’t anticipate. Unacknowledged pain morphs into impatience, anger, irritability, apathy, discouragement, and a host of other negative emotions and behaviors that ripple out to affect others around us.

Rather than avoiding our pain, we need to face it head on and let ourselves feel it deeply. Learning to lament in prayer with total honesty brings great relief and freedom. Try using these steppingstones on the path to comfort and healing.2

1. Address God: Focus your prayer on the One who knows you intimately and listens to you attentively. “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” (Psalm 5:1-2, NIV)

2. Pour out your heart: Bring Him your complaints and concerns. Share your raw emotions without holding back. “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

3. Request help: Ask God for what you need, but also remain open to His perspective on your situation. “But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.”(Psalm 109:21, NIV)

4. Express trust. Affirm your faith in God’s character and His Word. (Or ask Him to build your trust in Him if you’re not quite there yet.) “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2, NIV)

5. Praise Him. No matter how terrible you feel, God is still good. Remind yourself of this by expressing adoration for His wisdom, strength, and faithfulness (or whatever qualities of His you appreciate.) Use the Bible to help you if you can’t come up with anything on your own. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails  and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength;  he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV)

Lament gives us time and space to identify our feelings and process them in the safe, loving, patient presence of our Heavenly Father. Laying out our emotions allows the Lord to comfort us and guide us, freeing us to move forward instead of being continually weighed down. It’s hard work, but so worth it. The next time you’re hurting emotionally, consider making time to practice lament and let the Lord refresh your spirit.

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1. John Mark Comer quoting John Welwood, Praciticing the Way, Waterbrook, 2024, 88.

2. Jennifer Rothschild, When You Pray session 5, Lifeway Press 2023, 119.

Against the Current

Part 1: Obeying God Rather Than Men

Gentle waves lapped at my ankles as I waded into the water clutching my boogie board. My two older brothers stood nearby cautioning me to let them test the conditions first. As a stubborn middle schooler, I was convinced this was a ploy to ditch me. They relented to prove me wrong and, with reluctance, beckoned me to join them. Within minutes we were caught in a powerful rip current, unable to paddle further out to the waves or to get back to the beach. Our only option was to swim toward a lava bed nearby. Within arms’ reach of our destination, a set of waves rolled in and heaved us onto the jagged shore. Gasping for air, I had no strength to fight the receding water pulling me back out. Had my brother not reached down and caught my wrist, I’m not sure I would have made it to safety. 

You probably know how difficult it is to swim counter to a strong current. Whether it’s literal or metaphorical, you understand how moving in opposition to an extreme force saps your strength and leaves you feeling helpless.

Maybe that’s why Peter and the other apostles inspire me so much in the book of Acts. Time and time again, they choose to paddle against the current of their culture for the sake of the gospel. One of the best examples is their reply to the Jewish elders who order them to cease preaching about Jesus. With boldness, they respond: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29b, ESV) Their confident and unwavering stance sets the tone for all followers of Jesus to remain steadfast in obedience to God despite persecution, ridicule, and rejection.

So how do we know when God is calling us to swim against the current? This can be a bit confusing since in most cases, Scripture calls followers of Jesus to obey human authorities (Romans 13:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13–14; Titus 3:1; Hebrews 13:17). We’re also urged to pray for those in power (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Romans 13:6–7). However, there are situations when human law or current culture contradicts God’s clear commands in the Bible. In those instances, we need to align with the Lord, even when following people or laws with lower standards would be easier.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” Rather than defaulting to the path of least resistance in our culture, followers of Jesus need to seek understanding in challenging and confusing issues. John, who paddled against the current throughout Acts later wrote: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

Like Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5, we need to know and apply God’s Word when the world pressures us to affirm what the Bible condemns. It’s vital that we learn about thorny issues that make us uncomfortable by exploring the Bible, praying, and seeking wisdom from the Spirit—especially when the godly response isn’t clear cut. Peter explains this when he writes: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15-17, ESV italics added for emphasis) 

Swimming against the current requires strength, wisdom and trustworthy companions. Consider where you may be prone to letting the current of our culture determine your views and responses. Ask the Lord to show you anywhere that you’re compromising with the world. Invite Him to give you greater understanding so you can align with His will. Then pray for the courage to take action on what He shows you. 

Part 2: Applying Truth Wisely

One word of caution: swimming against the current of the mainstream doesn’t automatically mean we’re aligned with Scripture. There are several mindsets that can lead us into faulty thinking–damaging our credibility as witnesses and hurting others. Here are several perspectives we’d be wise to avoid:

Falling into legalism. Webster’s Dictionary defines legalism as “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.” Relying primarily on opinions of one specific person, taking random Bible verses out of context, or automatically applying one principle to multiple situations veers us towards legalism. Legalism is a shortcut that limits deep thinking, overlooks prayer, fosters self-righteousness, and squelches spiritual discernment. These practices tend to make us harsh, judgmental, and insensitive. They lead us to focus on condemning others instead of discerning godly responses to them. We can avoid being legalistic by maintaining a teachable spirit, seeking wisdom in prayer, and examining Scripture thoroughly. Legalism often eliminates love and excuses bad behavior. Peter counters this saying: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7-8, ESV)

Following false teachers. Believers must be knowledgeable about Scripture so they can recognize faulty teaching. There are many leaders and influencers who swim against the current in unbiblical ways. They mix a little bit of Scripture with a lot of worldly wisdom. False teachers use Christian language we recognize in ways that it was never intended. Often, they are funny, relatable, winsome, and compassionate. If you hear a wildly different interpretation of Scripture that seems to affirm ideas contrary to anything else you’ve learned, it’s time to do some research. Peter writes an entire chapter about this: “there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” (2 Peter 2:1b-2, NIV)

Forgetting the real enemy. Swimming against the current sometimes fosters an “us versus them” mentality. It’s easy to slip into this mindset when we encounter people who think and act differently from us. Rather than drawing lines and becoming offended or condemning, we need to remember that people aren’t the true enemy, Satan is: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV) The apostle Paul gives clear wisdom for how to respond to those who differ from us: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  (Romans 12:14-18, ESV)

Our culture today stands divided on many issues that are destroying families, ending friendships, and causing deep hurt. As followers of Jesus, our obedience to God matters more than anything else—but that shouldn’t be an excuse for poor behavior. We’ve received the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus’ work in our lives. We’re called to a higher standard, so let’s swim against the current while avoiding these common pitfalls. Instead, let’s strive to reveal God’s love to a world that desperately needs hope that only the gospel can give.

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www.marybethmccullum.com: Against the Current

Talking Our Walk

Do you remember the Bangles’ 1986 hit song “Walk Like an Egyptian”? It’s a fun, catchy, and slightly silly tune referencing ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. Most people who grew up in the 80’s will automatically strike a pose when they hear the song. No one has to tell them to put one arm in front of them bent at 90 degrees with a palm down and the other arm behind them bent at 90 degrees with the palm facing up. 

For followers of Jesus, learning to walk like Him takes a bit more practice. As the Holy Spirit guides us and we study Scripture, believers continually learn the nuances of walking in the ways of our Lord and Savior. That’s why we’ve been marching through Ephesians 4 this summer–to discover how Jesus calls His followers to live. Inspired by Paul’s urging for believers to live worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1), we’ve spent time examining specific ways we can honor God with our thoughts, actions, and words. Paul covers a range of topics in a few pithy sentences. His brevity makes the weight of his words even more powerful.

Let’s continue our journey through Ephesians by examining the next few verses: “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil…Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:25-27 & 29, NLT)

Three of the topics involve how we communicate verbally. They seem especially relevant in our culture today.

1) Lies: It seems obvious to point out that believers shouldn’t lie, but there are many socially acceptable ways that we rationalize being untruthful. For example, lying seems like a quick and easy way to make an excuse declining a request or an invitation. It’s also tempting to lie if it will save a few dollars (like getting a discount when there’s an age limit or requirement). Sometimes we avoid the truth because it’s uncomfortable to admit and telling a lie just feels safer and easier in the moment. Lying has become so expected in our culture that people are often surprised when they encounter someone who is honest. So, being truthful sets us apart from the world. And even if no one notices, it honors the Lord by demonstrating obedience to Him and respect for His Word.

2) Anger: Feeling angry isn’t a sin, it’s what we do with it that matters. Jesus displayed righteous anger when he cleared the temple (see Mark 11:15-17). Many other godly people focused their anger for good– leading them to bring justice or to eradicate sinful practices. The problem with anger comes when we use it to justify destructive and hateful behavior. While anger may feel merited when we’ve been wronged, an emotionally charged reaction escalates the situation and gives the enemy an opening to magnify negativity and wreak havoc. Pausing before reacting in the moment allows time to take a breath and pray for wisdom. Instead of embroiling us in heated emotion and making the situation worse, a godly response diffuses tension and brings peace.

The directive not to let the sun go down while we’re still angry means that we don’t allow it to take control of our minds and amplify hateful thoughts. Simmering anger becomes like yeast in bread—it grows with time. Nursing our anger leads us to retaliation, bitterness, and withholding forgiveness–actions that are the opposite of Jesus’ teaching.

3) Language: The words that flow from our mouths reveal the state of our hearts (Matthew 15:17-19). This passage explains what language believers should avoid (foul and abusive) and what language they should use instead (helpful and encouraging).  Paul provides additional clarification on this later in Ephesians: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4, NIV) 

Foul language has become pervasive in our culture. We’ve been desensitized by hearing it used frequently in media and by public figures. Because humans are prone to social contagion, we unconsciously mirror what we see and hear. The prevalence of swear words and harsh language used in casual conversation has become commonplace, even among followers of Jesus. Choosing to be intentional about preventing obscene and foul language from polluting our vocabularies sets us apart from the world. Being deliberate about speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and gratitude differentiates us and shows we’re walking in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Have you allowed the world to influence the way you talk? Consider spending time with the Lord and inviting Him to search your heart and show you any behaviors, tendencies, or vocabulary that you need to confess. Let His cleansing mercy free you to walk unfettered by sin and to live worthy of your calling. 

Embrace Paul’s wisdom in Ephesians: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)  Walking like Jesus means talking in ways that honor Him and differ from the world. Let’s commit to speaking in a way that reflects who we are in Christ.

Now, just for fun, here’s the song that inspired the idea of walking in a distinct manner. Click here and enjoy “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles.

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Pour Out Your Heart

She sat against the wall with the other outcasts watching the honored guests reclining at the table. The host, Simon the Pharisee, tolerated her presence to fulfill his obligation to the law. The Scriptures commanded that he provide food for the poor, but it didn’t mean he had to show warmth or kindness to her as she waited for a few meager scraps from the table. She had a reputation as a sinful woman around town, but couldn’t resist showing up with the other unfortunate, sick, and lame people when she heard Jesus was the guest of honor.

So, she sat with her back against the wall and listened to the conversation, waiting for the moment when she could talk with Jesus. He’d caught her eye at one point and instead of turning away in disgust as Simon had, he’d smiled. The love in His eyes drew her to Him. She felt seen and valued in a way she’d never experienced before. Unable to hold back any longer, she approached Him from behind and knelt. Tears welled up in her eyes and flowed onto the dusty feet that Simon had neglected to wash when Jesus entered his home. Realizing she had nothing to dry them with, she uncovered her hair and used it to wipe away the tears. Before she lost her nerve, she kissed His feet. Then, drawing an alabaster jar out of her cloak, she anointed them with costly perfume, pouring out her only possession of value.

Without saying a word, the woman’s actions showed the shame and regret she felt over her sins. Looking at her with love and mercy, Jesus raised her from her low position, honoring her humility and restoring her dignity: “Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.’ Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ The other guests began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” (Luke 7:44-50, NIV)

The sinful woman came to Jesus without pretense. Tears flowed as she encountered His deep love in spite of her sin. She offered Him the most valuable thing she had and accepted His grace and forgiveness in return. Their interaction was authentic, unfiltered, and raw. Are those words you would use to describe your interactions with Jesus? 

Kristi McClelland explains, “Jesus could handle both, a mixture of anointing oil and a woman’s deepest pain poured out in her tears. We can pour our whole hearts out to Jesus. We can leave it all before Him. We can cast it all upon Him. He can take it, and He wants to take it. When we pour out our hearts to Jesus, He begins generously lifting us up in grace and truth. Like the woman in Luke 7, He can lift us up and send us on our way in peace.”1

Her words echo David’s in Psalm 62: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) 

The Lord invites us to pour out our hearts to Him with honesty. He gives us the freedom to be raw and unfiltered before Him. Unfortunately, most of us shy away from this, just as we do in human relationships. We prefer safe and sanitized interactions that shield our vulnerability and weakness. Often, it’s not until we’re desperate that we finally shed our façades and engage the Lord honestly. At least, that’s been my experience. 

For me, pouring out my heart has often happened when I’ve had nowhere else to turn. During a season of intense loneliness in college when I felt I had no one I could trust, the Lord became my closest confidante. A decade later, during a time of deep depression after I’d been betrayed by a friend, I poured out my hurt to the Lord and found comfort and healing. More recently, I turned to Him amidst the grief of losing my mom to cancer. However, it’s not only in difficult times that I’ve sought the Lord. I’ve discovered praying with raw emotions and unfiltered words on a regular basis gives me peace and leads to deeper intimacy with Jesus.  

Although it feels daunting, pouring out our hearts to God is worth the effort. It gives us time to process and gain perspective. It allows us room to feel our emotions without having them lead us to react with impulsive behavior. Pouring out our hearts to God opens us to receive His wisdom and compassion. Sometimes it helps us to recognize where our feelings may be leading us astray. Pouring out our hearts enables us to discern what to do next and drives us to use Scripture as our guide.

We’re living in a culture that encourages us to be led by our feelings without restraint and without considering consequences. When we follow this path, it often leads to further pain and damaged relationships. Conversely, we’re also encouraged to anesthetize ourselves to numb our feelings rather than processing them. Instead of acknowledging our emotions and determining what triggered them, we pour a glass of wine, go on a shopping spree, binge watch Netflix, scroll on social media, or indulge in our favorite foods. These strategies ultimately leave us feeling hollow and unsatisfied. They can also cause additional problems, compounding the complicated mix of emotions that are already consuming us. 

Pouring out our hearts to Jesus in prayer provides a safe, loving landing place for the tangle of thoughts and feelings that plague us. Sharing them with the Lord deepens our connection to Him and helps us to keep our emotions and mental spinning from getting the best of us. 

Are you ready to approach Jesus with your unfiltered and authentic thoughts and feelings? Will you seek Him first instead of as a last resort? Make it a regular practice and receive the peace only He can provide. Need some inspiration? Listen to Rachael Lampa’s song “Perfectly Loved” by clicking here. Let it prompt you to pour out your heart to Jesus today. 

1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 77.

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Looking Back on 2022, Looking Ahead to 2023

We’ve turned the page on the calendar to kick off 2023. Before anticipating the year ahead, it’s worthwhile to reflect on the year behind. Here are a few questions I like to ask myself: What stands out from the past twelve months? What shaped your character, faith, and worldview? Where did you see God at work? How did you grow? Looking ahead, where will you focus your time and energy in the coming year? To get you started, I’ll share my answers below. 

What stands out as you look back on the past year?

As I closed out 2021, here’s what I wrote in my year-end blog post: “I want to pray consistently for renewal among believers so that they long for God’s presence, kingdom, and righteousness more than anything else. I also want to pray for the hearts of people who have been deceived by the enemy and have believed lies about the Lord. Corporate renewal begins with personal renewal, so I’d like to be more focused on God’s presence in my life. I’m considering trying a new spiritual discipline like fasting to help my prayers be more targeted and intentional.”

What stands out to me is the way God answered those prayers in 2022. He prompted me to invite two other women to pray with me regularly throughout the year. He blessed me with several young women to mentor who were eager to grow in their faith and Bible knowledge. The Lord also led me to ask a wise woman to mentor me. I also gave fasting a try and found that it helped me to focus my prayers. My hunger pangs caused me to feel like I was laboring alongside the Lord as I prayed for situations that I had no power to change on my own.

What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

The things we read, watch, listen to and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. So, I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind. Here are few inputs that have impacted me positively in the last year:

Studying the Bible: I’ve always been a big fan of doing workbook Bible studies and did several in 2022 that were excellent. But what made the past year noteworthy was opening the Bible and unpacking its truth without a workbook. Studying First Peter and Jude with a young woman I mentored gave us the chance to absorb a few verses at a time. Reading and discussing Scripture together helped us to see where we were on track and where we needed to re-focus our prayers and attention. I’ve also loved studying the gospel of John with four high school girls. Delving into such a meaty book and examining one chapter each week has been faith building for all of us. 

Events: I had the privilege of attending IF:Gathering in Dallas with a group of friends last spring. My favorite message was Sadie Robertson Huff’s “The Truth vs. My Truth.” If you haven’t seen it, check it out here.  The teaching and worship there were truly inspiring, and I’ve loved continuing to learn through Jennie Allen’s Made for This podcast. It’s full of practical and biblical insights that realign me with God’s Word.

I also had the privilege of going on two trips as a leader with our high school youth group—a mission trip to Mexico and a houseboat trip at Lake Shasta. Seeing the Holy Spirit move in both of those places was the clearest answer to my prayers to see spiritual renewal in the lives of others. 

Participating in these events reminded me that there’s no substitute for showing up in person. It’s one of the best ways to let God work in and through us.

Books: Live No Lies by John Mark Comer was a highlight of 2022 for me. Understanding the enemies of our souls and how to move forward in walking with Jesus was challenging and thought-provoking. This book is so relevant and timely, I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard is a Christian classic that I finally read at the recommendation of my son. Willard’s writing is dense, and his ideas are deep. It took all summer to read it. I’m still processing his assertion that being a Christian isn’t synonymous with being a true disciple of Jesus. I’m also mulling over this quote: “And what does ‘dwelling,’ or ‘continuing,’ in his word mean? It means to center your life upon…his good news about The Kingdom Among Us, about who is really well off and who is not, and about true goodness of heart and how it expresses itself in action. We will fill our souls with the written Gospels. We will devote our attention to their teachings, in private study and inquiry as well as public instruction. And, negatively, we will refuse to devote our mental space and energy to the fruitless, even stupefying and degrading, stuff that constantly clamors for our attention. We will attend to it only enough to avoid it.” (The Divine Conspiracy, p. 296).

Podcasts: Live No Lies with John Mark Comer. Listening to these enhanced and extended what Comer discusses in his book as he interviews various experts he referenced in writing. 

Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast with Pete Scazzero. We’re all leaders in different arenas- whether it’s at home, work, church, or volunteering. This podcast provides practical and realistic tools to navigate life, faith, and relationships with health and biblical wisdom. 

Now, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year. To borrow Dallas Willard’s words– are there fruitless things clamoring for your attention right now? What will you add or eliminate for 2023 so that the Holy Spirit can shape you more?

Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally or spiritually?

I’ve grown by focusing my prayers on aligning with God’s will. Jesus says in John’s gospel: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14, NIV) I’m learning that praying in Jesus’ name means seeking God’s glory and will to be done, not mine.

I’ve seen God at work in places where I can’t try harder, I can only trust Him more. I’ve prayed for new opportunities to meet people who don’t know the Lord and I’ve begun to see that answered. I’m also thankful God has placed strong believers around individuals I love so that they can be spurred on in their faith. This has been a significant answer to prayer.

Where will you focus your energy in 2023?

I want to pray for God to use my circumstances to refine me, to expand His kingdom, and to bring Him glory. I hope to resist the tendency to pray for circumstances to unfold as I think they should.  I’m also praying the Lord will increase my capacity to see where He is at work and inviting me to join Him. As my awareness grows, I pray God will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him. And this year I’m also praying I will experience God’s joy in increasing measure.

Before you wade into the waters of 2023, take some time to reflect on where you’ve been. It will help you set a course for the year ahead with God’s wisdom to guide you. Whatever highs and lows we’ll face, we can trust that God is there with us. Let the song “God is In This Story” remind you of that today. Click here to listen.

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