Category Archives: God’s Presence

Jun17

Comforting Grace: A Word for the Grieving Heart

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To the one who is grieving, I see you.

I may not know your whole story, but I know the ache of an empty chair, the silence that fills the rooms of a home, the whisper of memories that come unbidden in the stillness of night, and the unexpected tears that fall when the world keeps turning. I know how your heart may feel like it’s walking through a landscape that has changed forever.

But I also know this: God sees you.

The same God who set the stars in the sky, who parted the sea, and who holds the universe together —He bends down to listen to the cries of the brokenhearted.

“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2)

You may feel forgotten or overlooked by the world, but in God’s eyes, you are deeply cherished.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

He does not rush your grief, nor does He ignore your tears. In fact, He gathers them in His bottle and draws near with a tenderness only heaven can give.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8)

There will be days when the sorrow threatens to swallow your joy whole. On those days, cling to this truth: You are not alone. Christ Himself knows what it is to grieve, and He walks this road beside you, step by step. And in time, He will speak life into the places that feel so empty.

Your tears are sacred. Your story still matters. And your God is still creating beauty from ashes.

Even in this dark valley, you are not forgotten. Even in your loss, you are deeply loved. And even as you grieve, God is preparing joy that will one day return. He promises:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5).

Until that morning dawns, rest in this: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not walking alone.

With love and faith,

From the heart of one who knows

A Prayer for the Grieving Heart

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God who sees. In the quiet spaces where sorrow lingers, draw near to every grieving heart. Wrap each hurting soul in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Speak hope into the silence, strength into the weariness, and comfort into the loneliness. Thank you for being near to the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:5
  • “He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair” Isaiah 61:3
  • “Those who sow in tears will reap with a song of joy.” Psalm 126:5



May27

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn: Divine Comfort for the Brokenhearted

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“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

I’ve read this verse (Matthew 5:4) many times, but only now—walking through a deep valley of grief—do I feel its truth in a way I never had before.

My husband recently passed away. Saying those words still doesn’t feel real. The sorrow comes in waves, sometimes crashing so hard it knocks the breath out of me. Other times, it’s a dull ache that simply lingers in the background of daily life. The kind of mourning Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount isn’t theoretical to me anymore—it’s present, and it’s personal.

For years, I couldn’t fully grasp how those who mourn could be blessed. Loss doesn’t feel like a blessing. Grief certainly doesn’t. But now I’m beginning to understand: the blessing isn’t in the loss—it’s in the comfort that follows.

I’ve felt that comfort poured out in beautiful and unexpected ways—from cards and phone calls that arrived at just the right moment, to text messages that reminded me I wasn’t alone, to meals left on our doorstep, and flowers that brightened a heavy day. Friends from all seasons of life—some near, some far— have shown up to offer help and support in this time of great sorrow. Through their presence, they have wrapped us in love and shared the burden of our sorrow. And there’s something deeply divine and holy about that kind of comfort. It feels like the very hands and feet of Jesus showing up in ordinary people who carry His extraordinary love.

Jesus knew the sting of loss. He wept when His friend Lazarus died. Even knowing He would raise Lazarus back to life, He entered into that moment of human sorrow and pain. He didn’t shy away from grief—He felt it. That’s the kind of Savior we have. Not distant. Not detached. But present. Tender. Compassionate.

When Jesus spoke these words—“Blessed are those who mourn”—it probably didn’t make sense to many in the crowd. It might not make sense to some even now. But I believe He was giving us a sacred promise: that we are not alone in our grief. That God’s nearness is most deeply felt when our hearts are most broken.

If you’re walking through a season of loss right now, please know this — God sees your tears, He holds your heart, and He will comfort you, often in unexpected and divinely soul-stirring ways. Even in your sorrow, God is near. The Comforter has not forgotten you. He draws especially close to those who are hurting.

Even in mourning, we are held. And somehow, even here, we are blessed.

A Prayer for Today:

In this time of sorrow, please remind us that You are near. Thank You for the people You send to wrap us in love and remind us we are not alone. Let Your presence fill the empty spaces, and help us feel Your arms around us even when the grief feels too heavy to bear. We trust that You are close to the brokenhearted, and we rest in Your promise to comfort those who mourn.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Verses for Comfort in Grief:

  • Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
  • Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)
    “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
    “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…”
  • John 11:35 (NIV)
    “Jesus wept.”
  • Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
    “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Feb20

How to Have Unshakable Peace in a Troubled World

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Finding Peace in the Midst of Trouble

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)

Life is full of challenges, hardships, and moments of uncertainty. Jesus never promised that following Him would lead to a trouble-free life. In fact, He assured His disciples that they would face difficulties. Yet, in the very same breath, He also gave them a reason for hope: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This verse reminds us that peace is not found in our circumstances, but in Christ. The world is unpredictable, full of trials that can shake our faith and test our endurance. However, Jesus has already secured the victory. His death and resurrection conquered sin, darkness, and every challenge we will ever face.

When we feel overwhelmed by life’s burdens—whether it’s financial struggles, broken relationships, health concerns, or spiritual battles—Jesus invites us to rest in Him. His peace is not temporary or based on external conditions. It is an everlasting assurance that, no matter what happens, He is in control.

How do we experience this peace? By keeping our focus on Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we bring our fears and struggles to Him in prayer, He fills us with His supernatural peace.

No matter what you are facing today, remember that Jesus has already overcome the world. Your trials are temporary, but His victory is eternal. Take heart, hold onto His promises, and rest in His peace.

A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. In the midst of life’s troubles, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Remind me that You have already overcome the world, and I can rest in Your victory. Fill my heart with Your peace, and strengthen my faith to trust You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Encouraging Verses:

  • Isaiah 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Romans 8:37 — “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Take heart today—Jesus has already won the victory!

Feb13

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle: A Deeper Look at God’s Design

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"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will swell among them."  Exodus 25:8

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle

While reading Exodus, I almost got lost in all the intricate details about the construction of the Tabernacle and its accessories. The precise measurements, materials, and craftsmanship felt overwhelming. Every detail seemed so specific, and I wondered why God took such care in giving these instructions.

Curious about the significance of those instructions, I decided to do a little research—and what I discovered was amazing! The Tabernacle wasn’t just an elaborate tent. Every detail reflected God’s holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. Even more awe-inspiring, it was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ! Every element, from the bronze altar to the Holy of Holies, pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice, His role as our High Priest, and His presence among us. Once I saw this connection, it all made sense!

The pattern in the Tabernacle’s design beautifully illustrates a spiritual truth—the closer you get to God’s presence, the more precious and holy everything becomes. From the outer courtyard to the Holy of Holies, the materials used increase in value: bronze in the outer areas, silver as you move inward, and finally, gold in the Most Holy Place. This progression reflects the increasing sacredness of God’s presence and serves as a visual representation of His holiness.

It also points to our spiritual journey. As we draw nearer to God, we are refined, made more valuable, and transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus, our Great High Priest, made it possible for us to enter God’s presence fully (Hebrews 10:19-22), making us more precious in His sight.

Here’s something else to consider: Can you imagine having to pack up that entire sacred structure—the Tabernacle—every time you moved, then set it back up precisely according to God’s instructions? That was the reality for the Israelites in the wilderness. (Exodus 40: 36 – 38) Every post, curtain, and sacred object had to be handled with reverence and placed exactly as God commanded.

But today, because of Jesus, we don’t have to carry a physical Tabernacle with us—we have His presence with us always! He is our Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). We don’t need to set up a structure to meet with God because He now dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). What an incredible gift! No matter where we go, we never have to wonder if God is near—He is with us, always.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand those detailed instructions for the Tabernacle that God gave to Moses in Exodus, you’re not alone! Here’s what I discovered that may help you see how beautifully the Tabernacle points to Jesus:

The Tabernacle Items Symbolize Christ

The Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8), but it ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who became the true Tabernacle (John 1:14). Each item inside had a deeper meaning, revealing Jesus’ role in our salvation.

The Tabernacle (God’s Dwelling Place) → Jesus, God With Us

  • The Tabernacle was where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites.
  • Jesus is the ultimate Tabernacle—God dwelling among us in human form.
  • “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

The Ark of the Covenant → Jesus, Our Access to God

  • The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s staff—all symbols of God’s provision and authority.
  • Jesus is our true Mercy Seat—through His blood, we receive forgiveness and direct access to God.
  • “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood.” (Romans 3:25)

The Table of Showbread → Jesus, the Bread of Life

  • The 12 loaves of bread represented God’s provision for Israel.
  • Jesus declared Himself the true Bread of Life who satisfies our souls.
  • “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35)

The Golden Lampstand → Jesus, the Light of the World

  • The Lampstand provided light inside the dark Tabernacle.
  • Jesus is the true Light who leads us out of darkness.
  • “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8:12)

The Altar of Incense → Jesus, Our Intercessor

  • The incense represented prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2).
  • Jesus, as our High Priest, constantly intercedes for us before the Father.
  • “He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

The Curtain at the Entrance → Jesus, the Only Way to God

  • The Tabernacle had a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
  • When Jesus died, this curtain was torn, symbolizing our direct access to God.
  • “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19-20)

The Altar of Burnt Offering → Jesus, Our Perfect Sacrifice

  • The Altar was where sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
  • “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

The Bronze Basin → Jesus, Who Cleanses Us

  • The priests washed in the Bronze Basin before entering God’s presence.
  • Jesus washes and purifies us from sin.
  • “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

The Outer Courtyard → Jesus, Our Only Access to God

  • The courtyard was surrounded by a fence, and there was only one entrance.
  • Jesus is the only way to enter God’s presence.
  • “I am the Gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)

The Priestly Garments → Jesus, Our High Priest

  • The priests wore holy garments to minister before God.
  • Jesus is our true High Priest, who mediates between us and God.
  • “We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Final Reflection

Every part of the Tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus’ role in our salvation. He is:

✔ The dwelling place of God (John 1:14)
✔ The bread that satisfies (John 6:35)
✔ The light that guides (John 8:12)
✔ The sacrifice that saves (John 1:29)
✔ The intercessor who prays for us (Hebrews 7:25)

Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical Tabernacle—we can come directly to God! 🙌

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Light, my Bread, and my Sacrifice. Thank You for opening the way for me to come freely into God’s presence. Help me to rest in You and reflect Your presence in my daily life. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.

Want to Go Deeper?

Read: Hebrews 9:11-14, Matthew 5:17, John 14:6

Jan1

Masterpiece in Progress: God’s Hand at Work in Your Life

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The Masterpiece of Your Life: God’s Handiwork

As we step into the new year, it’s easy to think of it as a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting to be filled. But what if we imagined that the new year is not a blank slate at all, but rather a new layer being added to a masterpiece that God has been painting throughout our entire lives? Every day, every moment, and every year is a stroke of His brush, contributing to the richness, depth, and beauty of the story He is telling.

In the hands of the Master Artist, our lives are not random or disconnected moments. Each year, He adds additional brushstrokes—sometimes thick, sometimes thin, sometimes bold, and occasionally subtle—that build upon the layer before it. The beauty of an oil painting is that each layer is integral to the final work. Without the depth, texture, and complexity added over time, the painting would lack the fullness that makes it truly stunning.

Layers of Growth and Transformation

Just as an artist adds layer after layer to a painting, God has been adding layer upon layer to our lives. Some layers are made of moments of joy and celebration, where the light shines brightly, and the colors are vivid and bold. Other layers come in moments of pain or difficulty, where the brushstrokes are deeper and more muted but still necessary to create depth and dimension.

In each year, God paints with purpose. Sometimes, we might not see the beauty of a layer until much later, as it blends with the ones before it. But as we look back on the years of our lives, we can see how each layer has contributed to the masterpiece that God is creating—layer by layer, year by year.

Trusting the Master Artist

Like an oil painting, the process is slow and steady. God isn’t rushing through our lives to finish the painting. He knows that every stroke, every moment, is essential to the final result. We may look at certain years and wonder why they were filled with trials or challenges, but those are the very layers that add depth, texture, and richness to the final masterpiece.

In the same way that an artist steps back to admire their work and evaluate each layer, God sees the fullness of the painting He is creating in our lives. He knows what the final picture will look like—each year is just a portion of the whole, and He is working in ways we cannot always understand. But we can trust that every layer is part of His perfect design.

Every Layer Counts

It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that certain years were “better” than others or that some moments were more significant. But in God’s hands, every year—whether it’s filled with moments of brightness or moments of darkness—is necessary for the painting. The beauty comes in the way He uses each year to add to the larger picture.

As we look ahead to this new year, let’s remember that it’s not just a single, isolated moment in time. It’s part of the bigger picture God is creating in our lives. And each layer He adds is rich with purpose, depth, and meaning. We may not yet see how it all fits together, but the Master Artist knows exactly what He is doing.

Embracing the Masterpiece

So, as you enter this new year, don’t view it as a blank canvas. See it as the next layer in the beautiful, ongoing masterpiece God is painting in your life. Each moment is an essential brushstroke, and with each passing year, He is bringing more extraordinary beauty, richness, and depth to your story. Trust in the process, knowing that every stroke—whether joyful or challenging—is part of the more excellent work He is creating.

And when the final painting is revealed, we will see the masterpiece that God has been crafting all along—a beautiful work of art that tells the story of His faithfulness, love, and perfect design.

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord, As we enter this new year, help us trust You as the Master Artist of our lives. Thank You for the layers You’ve already added to our story, shaping us with love and purpose. Help us confidently face whatever the year ahead brings, knowing that You are right by our side. Thank You for this reminder that You are always at work in our lives and that Your plan is perfect. May this year bring glory to You as You continue to shape us into the people You’ve called us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses

Psalm 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Dec31

Beyond Resolutions: A New Perspective for the New Year

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“Then God said, ‘Let there be light-bearers (Sun, Moon, Stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate day from night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days and years.'” Genesis 1: 14 AMP

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s easy to feel both the excitement and uncertainty of what lies ahead. We make plans, set resolutions, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that a fresh start brings. But what if we approached the turning of the calendar not just with our own hopes and dreams, but with a deep sense of awe at how God has already gone before us, marking every moment with His faithful presence?

In Genesis 1:14-19, we see a powerful and often overlooked truth about time. On the fourth day of creation, God spoke into existence the lights in the sky, the sun, moon, and stars, and declared that they were “good.” These lights were not just to illuminate the earth but to “serve as signs (tokens) to mark sacred times, and days and years” (Genesis 1:14, Amplified Bible). In this moment, God created the very concept of time—days, seasons, and years—and deemed it good. The orderly passage of time was His perfect design, not an afterthought.

God’s Provident Care in the Heavens

As we read this passage, it’s awe-inspiring to realize that God, the Creator of the universe, intentionally placed the lights in the sky to serve as tokens of His providence. (Here, providence means providing for future needs or events, or exercising foresight and care in planning for the future.) Even before humanity existed, God made the heavens a visible reminder of His care and faithfulness. The sun, moon, and stars were not simply celestial objects; they were divine markers set in place to reflect God’s active presence in time.

It’s humbling to think that God wanted us to notice His handiwork in the heavens—signs that would not only provide light for the earth but also guide us through time. Each day, month, and year is a direct result of God’s deliberate and sustaining power. And as we look up at the stars or feel the warmth of the sun, we are reminded that time itself is a gift from a loving, providential Father.

A Fresh Perspective for the New Year

As we turn the page to a new year, it’s an opportunity to reframe our perspective on time. We no longer need to see the passing days simply as moments slipping away, like grains of sand through an hourglass. Instead, we can view each day, each month, as a sign of God’s ongoing care and faithfulness. The same God who created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night is the one who has walked with us through every season, both light and dark.

And what’s even more amazing is that each and every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father — not just the first day of the year. Each new morning is a fresh start, a blank canvas for God to fill with His purpose. We don’t know what the day will bring, but God already does. He’s there ahead of us, ready to walk us through whatever lies ahead. The sun rises each morning, and as it does, it’s as if God is saying, “Here is your day, a new gift filled with potential.”

God’s Unseen Presence

Even on the stormy, cloudy days when we can’t see the lights in the sky, we know they are still there. The sun, moon, and stars haven’t gone anywhere; they’re simply hidden by the clouds. In the same way, even when we don’t feel God’s presence, we can be sure He’s still there. Just as the lights in the sky continue to shine even when they’re not visible to us, God is always watching over us, guiding us, and walking beside us. Whether the skies are clear or clouded over, His love and care never change. He is constant, unshaken by the storms of life. The same God who created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night is the one who has walked with us through every season, both light and dark.

Trusting God with the Year Ahead

What would it look like to approach the new year with this understanding—that every day, week, and month is a token of God’s care, a gift from the Creator who has been guiding us through all the days that have passed before? As we face the challenges and opportunities of this year, let’s remember that we don’t walk through it alone. The lights in the sky remind us of God’s providence—His constant, loving presence as we move forward.

In the coming year, let’s strive to live with a sense of gratitude for the time God has entrusted to us. Whether we’re facing joyous celebrations or difficult trials, each moment is an opportunity to trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing that He is already ahead of us, guiding us through every season of life.

Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, Embrace a Year of Gratitude

Instead of setting a traditional New Year’s resolution, why not choose to live the year with a focus on gratitude? Rather than simply making a list of goals, let’s intentionally recognize the blessings each day brings. You can create a daily habit of reflecting on God’s goodness by writing down one thing you are grateful for every day. This practice will not only help you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness but also allow you to see the hand of God at work in the everyday moments of your life. Whether it’s the beauty of a sunrise, a kind word from a friend, or God’s guidance through a challenge, you’ll begin to notice and appreciate His faithfulness in ways you might have missed before.

By the end of the year, you’ll have 365 moments of gratitude that serve as a testimony to God’s providence and love. This simple act can transform your perspective, helping you see that no matter what each day holds, it is a gift from a loving Creator, always filled with something to be thankful for.

A New Year, A New Beginning

As we embrace the new year, let’s hold onto the truth that God is not just present in our moments but actively shaping and guiding time itself. Each new day, each season, is a chance to align ourselves with His purpose and reflect on the tokens of His providence that shine brightly in the heavens above. Let’s look at our calendars with fresh eyes, seeing them as reminders of the Creator’s faithful care and the eternal rhythm of His plan.

A Prayer for the New Year

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of this new year and the opportunity to walk with You each day. Help us to see each moment as a precious gift from Your hand, filled with purpose and meaning. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may live with wisdom and gratitude for all You have done and continue to do. May Your providence guide us, and may we trust in Your faithful presence, both in the light and in the storms. We ask that You help us embrace each day with open hearts, thankful for the blessings You’ve given and trusting in Your perfect timing.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Related Verses

Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 104:19-20
“The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.”

Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Dec24

Finding Jesus: A Christmas Miracle

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Many years ago, in the rush and chaos of the Christmas season, I lost Jesus.

Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. I didn’t lose Him spiritually—I lost a tiny baby Jesus figurine from a small crèche I displayed in my guest bathroom.

It was a great mystery. The figurine was glued down with the rest of the scene, so how could it go missing? One day He was there, and the next, He was gone. I searched high and low, but He was nowhere to be found. With three rambunctious sons, two energetic dogs, and a revolving door of holiday guests, there’s no telling what could have happened to the tiny figure.

I’m not really sure why I kept that “imperfect” manger year after year. I no longer displayed it since it was missing its main character, but I kept it tucked away in a box of other decorations that I faithfully displayed each Christmas. Each year, when I unpacked everything, I would come across that little manger and feel a pang of regret, wishing I could have found baby Jesus.

Then, today, something extraordinary happened—a Christmas miracle of sorts.

In the rush of holiday preparations—baking, wrapping, cooking, cleaning—I heard yelling from the hallway bathroom. My husband announced there was a “plumbing emergency,” and I raced to the scene to find water gushing onto the floor. Chaos ensued, and in my frustration, I threw towels onto the flooded floor and muttered some very “un-Christmasy” words.

As we finished cleaning up, I was on my hands and knees, wiping water that had seeped beneath the vanity, when I felt something like a small pebble under my rag. Curious, I swiped again, and a tiny object tumbled across the hardwood floor, emerging from under the cabinet. When I looked closer, I froze in disbelief, staring at the little figurine I thought was lost forever—it was baby Jesus!

In that moment, I felt a wave of elation—a mix of joy and relief. But it wasn’t just about finding the missing piece of my nativity. It was as though everything around me paused, and I truly saw Him—the One whose birth changed the world.

As I knelt there, holding that tiny figurine, I marveled at the timing. This could have happened any other time of the year, and I would have been thrilled. But the fact that it happened at Christmas felt divinely ironic. It was as if God was reminding me in a special way of the profound truth of this season: Jesus is here, He has come, and He is Immanuel, God with us.

I also realized – this was no coincidence. With God, nothing ever is. He orchestrates even the smallest moments to draw our hearts back to Him. Finding that figurine during the very season when we celebrate His coming was a powerful reminder that He is always present, even in life’s seemingly mundane events.

What struck me most was how He showed up in such an unexpected moment, right in the middle of our plumbing emergency—our mess. It reminded me of how the real baby Jesus showed up in the most humble and unexpected way. He didn’t come in royal grandeur or king-like splendor but in a smelly manger surrounded by barn animals and straw. Just as my figurine appeared in the middle of my messy situation, the true Savior entered our messy world to bring hope, peace, and redemption.

I also thought about how the world had long awaited and searched for our Savior. Centuries passed in longing and anticipation, and every prophet’s promise was like a glimpse of a manger missing its main character. But then, on that holy night, He came. The wait was over, and the world finally saw its King.

I thought of the shepherds in the fields, startled by an angel’s unexpected announcement of a Savior born for all people. They rushed to find Him, and when they did, they were overwhelmed with joy. They left that manger filled with awe and ran to tell everyone they met.

I thought, too, of the wise men, who traveled far and endured much, following a star to find the newborn King. Imagine their joy when they finally found Him, falling to their knees in worship and offering Him their treasures.

That same joy—real, eternal, transformative—is available to us today when we find Him, not as a figurine in a manger scene, but as the living Savior in our hearts and lives.

This Christmas, let’s pause to seek Him. Amid the wrapping paper, the recipes, and the rushed schedules, let’s remember that He is still here, waiting to be found by all who look for Him. And when we do, may we find the same joy, peace, hope, and love that the shepherds and wise men experienced long ago.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus to be Immanuel, God with Us. In the midst of our busyness, help us to pause and seek You. Fill our hearts with joy, peace, hope, and love that only You can give. Please help us to celebrate this Christmas with our eyes fixed on the Savior, the true reason for the season. In Jesus' Name We Pray, Amen.  

p.s. Thank you that my little nativity is once again complete. The missing piece was my missing Peace.

Related Verses:

Matthew 1:23: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means God with us).

Luke 2:6-7: “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:10-11: “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”

Luke 2:12: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Matthew 2:10-11: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

Nov28

God’s Will for You: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

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“For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What is God’s will for your life? Scripture makes it clear: give thanks in all circumstances. This is His will for you—whether life is good or difficult.

It’s easy to be thankful when life is flowing smoothly and when blessings are abundant. A grateful heart comes naturally when things are going well. But what about when life is hard? When we face hardship, heartbreak, loss, or suffering, God’s will for us remains the same—to continually give thanks. It may feel counterintuitive, but even in our darkest moments, His call is for us to give thanks because He is always with us in the storm.

By giving thanks, even in pain, we invite God’s presence into our circumstances. Psalm 22:3 reminds us, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” When we praise Him, especially in our hardest times, we make room for His power and comfort to fill our hearts.

Remember, just because something difficult happens doesn’t mean it’s God’s will. We live in a broken world, and bad things happen that aren’t directly caused by God. But as believers, we hold onto Romans 8:28, which assures us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God doesn’t cause the bad, but He can use even the worst situations for our good.

In times of trial, we can trust that He is with us, working behind the scenes, even when we don’t understand how.

No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s a long-awaited breakthrough or a sudden storm—choosing to give thanks, even in the midst of it all, becomes a declaration that God is sovereign, that He is good, and that His love and faithfulness will carry us through.

We can always choose to thank God, trusting that His goodness will sustain us.

A Prayer for Today:

"Dear Lord, Remind us of Your constant presence and faithfulness, no matter what we face in life. Teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting that You are working for our good. May our hearts be filled with praise, even in the storm, and may Your peace and comfort surround us. Thank You for Your love that never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Related Verses:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4 - 5
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1