Happy 2025!  I hope everyone is doing well during this snowy and cold start to a new year.  The first few weeks of January have definitely been a “Be still and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10 for many, while others have had to brave the weather and roads for many reasons.  During this first month of a new year, we can get overwhelmed with everything to do, or depressed because our busy time with family and worship has come to an end.  January in our area is typically a cold, grey month, and sometimes our spirits can match the weather.

Many times we are given or purchased a wonderful devotional for the whole year. We can start strong, but around the end of January we are struggling to keep up.  It is like the children’s moment lesson that shows putting all the stuff in jar before God and not everything fits, but when we start with God first amazingly it all fits plus some.  That’s a good lesson for us adults, too.  I find myself being scattered and starting projects in all the rooms verses completing one task when something unexpected like a snowstorm forces me to be still.  How about you?  I can even be frustrated trying to complete tasks that are now harder because of the snow or other roadblocks. 

So, what can we do? First, let’s stop and take that deep breath and in our hearts know He is God.  Pray for His peace because "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".  Philippians 4:7 Did you catch that? His peace will guard our hearts and minds.  Jesus is guarding us.  If He is for us, who or what can be against us.  Seek His guidance in your day….

Could He have a reason for the roadblock in your schedule?  How can we know His peace and guidance? Being in His word and spending time with Him is a great first step.  I tell my Sunday School class that having your Bible on your stand or in your phone does not mean you know the Word. You must open, read, and listen to God. Like that silence and peace of fresh falling snow, take the time to listen.  Being still involves not only physically stopping but mentally stopping the lists and my requests.  Which I admit is much harder for me to do.

So, let’s pull out our Bible, open it, and start back up listening.  He is the maker of our days and sees the completed puzzle not just the pieces. ABWM is reading the book of Acts in January, join us.  Step back and take that breath, seek His peace, and truly seek His guidance in your days.  Every day and moment given is a time for a fresh start, just like a new year is a fresh start. 

Submitted by Guest Contributor