Have you ever noticed that it’s often during the hardest seasons of life that we feel closest to God? I know I have. Unfortunately, it’s only after I have exhausted every possible option that I realize how much I need God. Then, I pause, quiet the noise around me, and reach up to Him in prayer. In those moments, I realize God is not distant, even when I am distracted by my own efforts or the busyness of everyday life.
Being a stay-at-home mom can sometimes feel like a thankless, monotonous job. Or maybe it was just me. My years as a stay-at-home mom felt tiresome and endless. It wasn’t the work; it was the sameness. The days blurred together, and I could work hard from morning until night, only to wake up to the same list waiting for me the next day. There was no clear finish line, no moment when everything felt complete. I loved my family deeply, yet still felt weary and unseen. I wondered if anyone noticed the effort it took to keep everything running.
I never thought I had a gift for hospitality. But then I discovered hospitality derives its power from presence.
Many years ago, I taught a Bible study at my friend and mentor’s home. Our group consisted of about twenty people, both singles and couples. Each week, we gathered around her table for a shared meal, potluck style. We chatted about our lives, ate, worshiped God, and studied our Bibles. But most importantly, we laughed, prayed, and encouraged one another. There was something special about our time around the dinner table. Enjoying food helped everyone relax and open their hearts. Being fully present with one another and with God created a quiet, powerful connection. It grew our friendships and strengthened our faith.
Yesterday, I stood in church singing songs of praise with tears streaming down my face. As I sang words of praise, I also silently pleaded yet again for God to miraculously heal my stepmom from her cancer and to free her from her pain. Finally, I told God that no matter what, I would surrender to His will and plan for our lives.
When I read this verse in my quiet time, “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14, NIV), I thought, “Ah, so Jesus wasn’t the only one instructing us to love.” But then the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “No, this is subtly different.”
What leaks out of you when you’re under pressure? This morning, I saw this question in a social media post and immediately felt God’s conviction. Just two days ago, I found myself standing in the kitchen yelling at my husband over something small and ridiculous. Within minutes, I was crying, hugging him, and asking for his forgiveness. Afterwards, I told him I wasn’t even sure why I got so angry or upset. I had all these feelings, and they burst out of me like a volcano.
Have you ever felt that God has turned His back on you? Maybe you’re walking through excruciating pain and loss, and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes and run from Him in guilt or fear. Or maybe you’ve followed the world’s ways and turned your back on God, and now you feel certain He must have done the same to you. But friend, no matter how it feels—God is never far.
Eight little letters, yet such a powerful word—forgiven. And friend, forgiveness is freedom.
What comes to mind when you hear that word? Relief? Gratitude? Maybe even disbelief that it could truly apply to you?
For me, forgiveness was everything. More than the promise of heaven one day, it was the lifting of the heavy weight of guilt and shame I had carried for years. I knew I was a mess. I knew I didn’t deserve it. And truthfully, I still don’t, because even on my best days, I fall short.
Have you ever wanted a “do-over” or a new beginning? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished for an opportunity to take back my words or actions, to erase or fix them.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV “Oh no… not again!” I whispered to myself, feeling the sting of guilt. I had just yelled…
