Have you ever read something in the Bible that made you pause—not because it confused you, but because it unsettled you?
For me, one of those passages is Philippians 1:21-23, where Paul writes:
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.
I’ve struggled with this passage each time I’ve read through the Bible. It’s one of those moments where I’ve wanted to scoot past it, not dwell on it, and move on to something that doesn’t make me as uncomfortable. But for some reason, when I read this passage this week, I was inspired to dig into it instead of whistling while I walk past it, pretending it doesn’t exist.
So, Here We Go
Is Paul really saying that dying is better than living—that leaving this life and being with Christ is not just preferable, but better by far?
Yes, I think that’s exactly what he’s saying.
But is it just a pious statement, the kind of thing a super-spiritual person says to sound impressive? Or does Paul actually believe this?
I think it’s the latter. And if Paul truly feels this way, we need to ask why.
Did Paul Really Mean It?
Everything in Paul’s letters suggests that he wasn’t exaggerating. This wasn’t an empty religious phrase—it was the deep conviction of a man whose entire life was centered on Jesus.
Paul’s perspective wasn’t unique among early Christians. We see echoes of this longing in other scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Revelation 21:3-4 – “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people… There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
John 14:2-3 – Jesus Himself promised: “I am going to prepare a place for you… that you also may be where I am.”
Paul longed for heaven because he had seen glimpses of it. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, he describes an experience—possibly a vision, possibly a near-death event—where he was “caught up to paradise” and saw things too glorious to even put into words.
So Paul wasn’t just speculating when he said being with Christ is “better by far.” He had seen it. And nothing in this world could compare.
Why Long for Heaven?
If Paul is right—if to die is gain—why don’t we feel the same way? Why do most of us cling to life with everything we have?
In his book Weight of Glory, atheist-turned-Christian author C.S. Lewis offers a compelling explanation:
“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
— C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
We are too easily satisfied with what this world offers, failing to grasp the incomparable beauty and shalom (wholeness and peace) that await us in eternity.
Paul understood something that we often forget: this world, no matter how good, is not home. And we’re not home yet.
Jesus Himself prepared His disciples for this truth:
Our lives here are filled with beauty and purpose, but they are also filled with pain, struggle, and limitations. Heaven, on the other hand, is life as it was meant to be—free from sorrow, sin, and separation from God. (Here’s a little side joke for Super Bowl Sunday: Why won’t there be any sports in heaven? Because there won’t be any referees or umpires.)
Anyway, should we interpret Paul’s statement in Philippians to mean that he was suicidal? I really don’t think so. He wasn’t dismissing the value of life on earth. He simply understood something we struggle to accept:
Our best day here is nothing compared to our first day there.
But Until Then…
Paul knew that while heaven was his ultimate destination, he still had work to do here.
But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.
Paul didn’t see life as something to endure while waiting for heaven. He saw it as an opportunity to bring others into that same eternal joy.
He lived with a dual perspective—one eye on eternity, the other on his mission here.
That’s the balance we should seek, too.
Conclusion: A Life Worth Living, A Death Worth Hoping For
So, live or die?
Paul’s answer is both. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. We don’t need to fear death, because our future is beyond anything we can imagine.
But until that day, we have a purpose. We live for Christ—not merely waiting for heaven, but bringing the hope of heaven to those around us.
The next time you read Philippians 1:21, don’t scoot past it. Sit with it. Let it challenge you.
Do you long for heaven, or are you still too satisfied with the mud pies of this world?
And if heaven is really “better by far,” what does that mean for how you live today?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment and let me know.
P.S. I’ve had people ask me something like this: “Heaven sounds wonderful, but how do I know if I will get there?” In each case, knowing that they are followers of Christ, I said that their future in heaven is guaranteed, not because of anything they did other than accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It’s as simple (and challenging!) as that. So, if you haven’t done that yet, then I invite you to make that commitment in your heart. Jesus will know you did that, but it would also be good to say something like this to him out loud: “Jesus, today I invite you into my life and into my heart as Lord and Savior of my life. I give as much as I know of myself to as much as I understand about You.” If you do that, I’d suggest you find a strong body of believers to connect with and help you along on this amazing journey of following Christ.
Or, if you’ve accepted Christ but know someone who would benefit from this perspective shift from mud pies to a vacation at the beach, feel free to share this blog with them.
It’s one thing to feel loved when we’re at our best—when we’re kind, selfless, and walking closely with God. But what about the times when we’re not? When we’re consumed by sin, burdened by failure, or lost in our brokenness?
If we’re honest, many of us have struggled with feeling unworthy of God’s love. When we start to grasp His holiness, His power, and His majesty, we might wonder: How could a perfect God love someone like me?
On the one hand, that reaction makes sense. When we compare ourselves to the One who created the heavens and the earth, our flaws become glaringly obvious. But on the other hand, the belief that we must “get our act together” before we can approach God is not only wrong—it’s impossible.
No one is worthy of God’s love on their own. Not one. But thanks be to God, our worthiness isn’t something we have to manufacture ourselves. Jesus makes us worthy.
Our Best Will Never Be Enough
Most of us want to be good people. We try to live with integrity, be kind to others, and do what’s right. But no matter how hard we try, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard.
The Bible makes this clear:
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
Even our best efforts are flawed. No amount of good deeds, discipline, or self-improvement can make us holy enough to stand before God. If salvation depended on our own worthiness, we would all be hopelessly lost.
This is where grace steps in.
The Pride in Thinking We Can Earn Worthiness
At first glance, feeling unworthy might seem humble. But thinking we can earn God’s love, that we can make ourselves worthy to be in relationship with Him? That’s actually a form of pride.
When we believe we need to “fix” ourselves before coming to God, we are assuming that we have the power to cleanse our own sins. But the truth is, only Jesus can do that.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
God’s love is not a reward for good behavior. It is a gift—one that we can never earn but can only receive.
Jesus Covers Our Unworthiness
Imagine standing before God with every sin, failure, and regret exposed for all to see. Now imagine Jesus stepping in front of you, covering you completely so that when God looks at you, He sees only Christ’s righteousness.
This is exactly what happens when we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Jesus doesn’t just forgive us—He exchanges our sin for His righteousness. His blood washes away every stain, making us new.
The “Invisibility Cloak” of Christ’s Sacrifice
If you’re familiar with Harry Potter, you might recall the invisibility cloak—a garment that makes the wearer completely unseen.
Jesus’ sacrifice is like that for our sins. His love covers us so completely that when God looks at us, He sees only Jesus’ perfection.
The Bible describes this covering in beautiful terms:
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.
We do not stand before God in our own righteousness—we stand clothed in Christ’s righteousness.
The Only Way to Worthiness
If we could achieve worthiness on our own, Jesus’ sacrifice would have been unnecessary. But the onlyway we can stand before a holy God is through Jesus Christ.
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
You don’t need to earn His love. You can’t, even if you tried. You don’t need to clean yourself up before coming to Him. You couldn’t, no matter how good you think you can be. You only need to accept the giftof grace that Jesus freely offers.
Will you choose today to trust in that grace?
Let’s rest in the truth that our worthiness is found in Christ alone.
It’s one thing to feel loved when we’re at our best—when we’re kind, selfless, and walking closely with God. But what about the times when we’re not at our best? When we’re consumed by sin, brokenness, or despair? Can we really believe that God knows everything about us and still loves us?
The answer, beautifully and overwhelmingly, is yes. Thanks be to God.
“even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” since “you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Think about that for a moment. God knows the number of hairs on your head (which is easier for people like me than others!)—not just today, but yesterday, and tomorrow, and every day after that. This isn’t just a trivial fact; it’s a loving statement about His intimate knowledge of us. He knows us more deeply than we can imagine, and yet, He loves us completely.
He Knows Everything About You
The Bible tells us that God knows the deepest parts of us. King David wrote in Psalm 139:
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
God doesn’t just know our outward actions—He knows our thoughts, our motivations, and even the words we’re about to speak. For some of us, this level of transparency might feel unsettling. But in God’s hands, it’s not a reason for fear. It’s a reason for joy, because His love for us is not based on who we pretend to be; it’s based on who we really are. And He loves us anyway.
I’ll say it again: thanks be to God!
The Scene with Mary Magdalene
One of the most poignant depictions of God’s intimate love for us comes from the first episode of The Chosen. First, a quick bit of personal backstory. My wife and I were recently talking to our prodigal daughter about how loving God is. She expressed a sentiment that we probably all have felt at least once in our Christian journey: “I don’t see how God could love me, with everything I’ve done.” This scene from The Chosen popped into my mind, so I mentioned it to her and tried to describe it.
If I’m not mistaken, this scene is the first time we meet Jesus in the show. Mary Magdalene, who is living in despair and brokenness—to the point where she’s suicidal—encounters Jesus. Known as “Lillith” in the episode (meaning “female demons”), Mary is trapped by her pain and sin. She’s tried everything to find healing, but nothing has worked.
When Jesus approaches her for the first time, He calls her by name and quotes Isaiah 43:1:
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
This verse, which her earthly father had recited to her as a child, suddenly becomes the voice of her Heavenly Father. Jesus calls her His child and speaks to the very heart of her identity. In that moment, she is not defined by her sin or brokenness. She is defined by God’s love. I’ve watched this scene several times, and it still brings tears to my eyes.
Why? Because it’s easy to put myself in Mary’s place, wondering if I’ll be able to get out of my own way. I’ll bet most of us can sympathy with Mary and imagine how it would feel for Jesus to speak these words to us. No matter how lost we feel, no matter how far we’ve wandered, Jesus calls us by name and claims us as His own. His love is not diminished by our failures.
This is the message I need my daughter to hear. I suspect that if everyone would hear these words that God is speaking to them, there wouldn’t be an empty seat in any of our churches.
God’s Love Transcends Our Brokenness
Because we can be slow learners and need frequent reminders, scripture is filled with assurances of God’s love for us, even in our weakest moments:
Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God didn’t wait for us to clean up our act before He extended His love. He loved us at our lowest and sent His Son to redeem us.
Isaiah 49:15-16: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” God’s love is more enduring and compassionate than even the most tender human love.
1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” God doesn’t merely tolerate us—He lavishes His love on us and calls us His children.
Loved, Known, and Redeemed
The truth of God’s love is this: He knows everything about you—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and He loves you anyway. He knows your struggles, your failures, and your darkest thoughts. But He also knows your potential, your beauty, and the unique person He created you to be.
When you feel unworthy of His love, remember the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). Like I wrote about last week, just as the shepherd left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God actively seeks you, not because of anything you’ve done to deserve it, but because you are precious to Him.
Conclusion: Rest in His Love
Take comfort in the fact that you are fully known and fully loved by God. He knows your name, your struggles, your thoughts, and your needs. He sees you, and He loves you more deeply than you can imagine.
This week, spend time reflecting on these truths. Reread Isaiah 43:1, Psalm 139, or Luke 15, and let God’s Word remind you of His relentless and reckless love for you. If you’ve ever doubted how much God loves you, let this be your assurance: He knows you completely, and He loves you anyway.
You are His. Always.
Postscript
If this post spoke to your heart, consider sharing it with someone who may need this reminder of God’s love. Also, I’d love to hear what truths about God’s love have encouraged you lately. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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If you’re anything like me, you may sometimes wonder things like “Where do I fit into God’s big picture?” or “How much does God really love me?’
These are questions that can feel abstract at times, especially when life is hard, when we’re facing struggles, or when we’ve made mistakes that weigh heavily on us. But Jesus painted a vivid picture of God’s love for us in one of the most tender and reassuring parables He ever told—the parable of the lost sheep.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
In Luke 15:4-7, Jesus tells this story:
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
This parable illustrates the heart of God for you and for me. Like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God pursues us relentlessly, driven by a love so deep that He will not stop until we are safely back in His care.
God’s Love Is Personal
What’s striking about this story is how personal it is. The shepherd doesn’t just hope the lost sheep will find its way back to the fold. He doesn’t shrug his shoulders and say, “Well, I still have ninety-nine others.” No, he actively goes out, searching until he finds it.
That’s how much God loves you. You’re not just one in a crowd. You’re not lost in the shuffle. He sees you. He knows you. And He loves you enough to leave the rest of the flock behind to bring you home. This is God’s relentless love—a love that pursues us no matter how far we’ve wandered.
We Still Tend to Wander
Even after we’ve been found by God, we still have a tendency to wander. We stray into distractions, temptations, or even self-reliance, thinking we can handle life on our own. But just as the shepherd goes after the sheep that strays, God comes looking for us again and again, drawing us back to Himself with gentle, unwavering love.
This is a picture of grace. It’s a love that isn’t earned or deserved but freely given—a love that persists even when we falter.
How Much Does Jesus Love You?
If you ever wonder how much Jesus loves you, let this parable be your answer: He loves you enough to leave the ninety-nine just to find you. He loves you enough to carry you on His shoulders when you’re too lost, hurt, or broken to make it back on your own. He rejoices over you when you return, celebrating your presence in the fold.
The Apostle Paul captures the magnitude of this love in Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Nothing can separate us from God’s love—not our mistakes, not our failures, not even our wandering hearts. Thanks be to God.
A Love That Calls Us Home
As we reflect on this parable, let’s take time to marvel at the love of God—a love that pursues us, finds us, and brings us back home. Whether you’re feeling lost or found today, know this: God’s love for you is constant and unchanging. He rejoices over you, and He will never stop pursuing your heart.
The next time you wonder how much God loves you, remember the parable of the lost sheep. He left the ninety-nine to find you, and He would do it all over again. He does it every time you or I wander off.
Conclusion
This week, take a moment to rest in the knowledge of God’s unfailing love. Let it fill your heart with peace and joy, knowing that you are deeply valued and cherished by the Creator of the universe. And if you find yourself wandering, don’t hesitate to call out to Him. He’s already on His way to find you, to welcome you with open arms, to carry you back home.
Take some time today and this week to reflect on how God has pursued and loved you. Perhaps reread Luke 15:4-7, or write down moments in your life when you’ve felt God drawing you back to Him. Share this encouragement (or this blog) with someone who might need it, reminding them of God’s relentless love for each of us. Let’s be messengers of His grace and hope.
We have a tendency to gaze into the future with a mix of hope and apprehension. It’s natural to think ahead, planning for what’s to come and trying to anticipate challenges. But sometimes, those thoughts come with questions and concerns: Will I have enough? Enough time, energy, money, or resources to face what lies ahead? What if the challenges outpace my ability to handle them?
These concerns are rooted in our human limitations. Try as we might, we cannot see the future. But when we attempt to venture into the days ahead before they arrive, we go there without God.
A Future Without God?
But why is that? God walks with us moment by moment through our days, meaning that He is only there with us when we are actually there in the moment.
It’s ironic because God is timeless. He lives outside of time. All days occur simultaneously for Him. And yet, since we’re not there in those future moments until the time arrives, God is not with us.
So why do we try to live in the future, knowing that God isn’t part of the equation? I think it’s a matter of trust. We try to plan and prepare for every possibility because we’re not convinced that God is going to come through for us.
But Jesus reminds us of the futility of living like this when He says:
Jesus calls us to live in the present and to trust that God will meet us there. Trying to live in a future that doesn’t exist burdens our hearts and draws us away from the blessings and opportunities of today. When we spend too much time gazing into the future, we risk missing out on God’s provision in the here and now.
God’s Timeless Presence
Scripture is filled with reminders of God’s faithful provision in the present. For example, in Lamentations 3:22-23, the prophet Jeremiah writes:
God gives us fresh mercies every day, not all at once for the entirety of our lives. He wants us to depend on Him moment by moment, trusting that He will provide for tomorrow just as He provides for today and has provided for us in days gone by.
The story of manna in the wilderness illustrates this beautifully. As the Israelites wandered through the desert, God provided manna for them to eat each day. But He gave them only enough for that day. If they tried to store it for the future, it would spoil. God was teaching them (and us) to trust Him daily, to believe that He would provide tomorrow just as He did today. The manna turning rotten when they tried to save it was God’s way of pointing out, “I’m not in your tomorrow. I am in your today. On this day, I will provide for you.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.”
Exodus 16:4a (NIV, emphasis added)
Thankfully, tomorrow eventually becomes today.
Learning to Trust God in the Present
Trusting God in the present requires a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing on what might happen or what resources we think we’ll need in the future, we can focus on God’s promises:
God Will Be With Us God promises to be with us every step of the way. In Isaiah 41:10, He says:
“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.”
The God who walks with us today will walk with us tomorrow. We don’t need to worry about the future because we are never alone.
God Will Provide Jesus reassures us of God’s provision in Matthew 6:31-33:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we prioritize God and His kingdom, He promises to provide for our needs.
God’s Plans Are Good Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s loving plan for our lives:
“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 hope and a future.”
The future is not something to fear but something to trust God with.
As we venture further into this new year, let’s make a commitment to live in the present with God. Instead of anxiously living in a non-existent future, wondering if we’ll have enough, let’s focus on the God who is here with us now, guiding us into the real future. Let’s trust Him to provide for us one day at a time, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every moment.
The Call to Live in the Present
The next time you find yourself wandering off into days that don’t exist, remember these truths: even though God is timeless, He is with you only in the present moment, meeting your current needs. Take a deep breath, whisper Jesus’s name, and bring your thoughts back to now. Invite Him to join you in your current moment.
In doing so, we can replace worry with peace, anxiety with trust, and fear with the confidence that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the future.
As we crossed over into a new year, I spent a bit of time considering ways to improve my life and continue to deepen my relationship with God (which are really the same thing, now that I think about it). As I have looked ahead, this also involved looking back to similar calendar changes throughout my life. Looking back, I can see countless times when God showed up in ways that I didn’t expect, often at moments when I had reached the end of my own abilities. In those moments, I was reminded of a truth that’s easy to forget: God is always working for our good, even when we can’t see the way forward. The key is learning to step aside and let Him lead. And that takes humility.
If you’re anything like me, you may have a tendency to make plans and then ask God to bless them. It’s natural—we fool ourselves into thinking that we are in control. But what if, instead of asking God to follow our lead, we asked Him to show us His path? What if we let go of our own agendas and allowed Him to direct our steps?
God Makes a Way Where There Is No Way
Scripture is filled with examples of God making a way where no way seemed possible. One of the most dramatic examples comes from the story of the Exodus. The Hebrews, fleeing slavery in Egypt, found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army. It must have seemed like an impossible situation. But God had a plan. In Exodus 14:21-22, we read:
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
God didn’t just provide an escape—He provided a miraculous path forward that no one could have anticipated. He made a way when there was no way.
Later, during their desert wanderings, the Israelites faced a different challenge: thirst. They had no water, and once again, it seemed like there was no way forward. But God provided. In Exodus 17:6, God instructed Moses:
“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”
And water did flow from the rock, sustaining the people in their journey.
These stories remind us that God is not limited by the obstacles we see. Where we see barriers, He sees opportunities to show His power and faithfulness. But in order to experience His provision, we must first be willing to step aside and let Him lead.
Letting Go of Control Requires Humility
Humility is not something that comes easily for most of us, and I’m no exception. It requires us to admit that we don’t have all the answers and that we can’t do it all on our own. It asks us to surrender our plans and trust that God’s plans are better. Easier said than done, I know.
Submitting to God means more than just asking Him to bless our plans. It means seeking His will first and trusting that He will guide us—even when the way forward is unclear.
Practical Steps to Let God Lead
If you’re wondering how to let God take the lead in your life, here are a few things that have come to mind as I’ve pondered how to do better about this in my own life:
Pray for Guidance: Instead of asking God to bless your plans, ask Him to show you His plans. Pray for clarity, wisdom, and the courage to follow where He leads.
Pause and Listen: We often fill our prayers with words but forget to take time to listen. Spend time in quiet reflection, reading or listening to Scripture, and seeking His voice.
Surrender Daily: Letting go of control is not a one-time event—it’s a daily decision. Sometimes, it even involves surrendering yourself to God’s will multiple times throughout a single day. Each morning, ask God to guide your steps and help you trust Him with the outcome.
Look for God’s Hand: As you move through life, pay attention to the ways God is working around you. Often, His leading becomes clear in hindsight when we look back and see how He orchestrated events for our good. Although journaling has never really been my thing, I know people who use that technique to help them remember times in their lives when God has come through for them when they thought all hope was lost.
When we humble ourselves and allow God to take the lead, we align ourselves with His plans—plans that are always for our good, even if they don’t unfold the way we expect.
Conclusion: Let God Take the Lead
This new year, let’s resolve to let God take the lead in our lives. Instead of charging ahead with our own plans, let’s seek His will and trust Him to make a way. Remember, He is the God who parts seas and brings water from rocks. He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
So I invite you to join me in taking a step back and surrendering your plans, letting God guide you. It’s not always easy, but when we trust Him, we discover that His way is always the best way.
As we head into a new year, many of us take the opportunity to set bold resolutions for our lives. We commit to exercising more, eating healthier, reading the Bible daily, or finally attending church regularly. The excitement of a fresh start inspires grand plans for change.
But as many of us know from experience, these resolutions often falter before the calendar flips to February. Gyms that were crowded in January thin out by mid-February, and the goals that once felt so achievable begin to feel like burdens. When our resolutions break, it can leave us feeling disappointed, discouraged, or even defeated.
God Knows Our Struggles
The truth is, God knows that this is our nature. He knows that life is hard, that we set goals and fall short, and that our best efforts often falter. But God does not condemn us for our failures—instead, He offers us grace.
In Psalm 103:14, we are reminded of this compassionate truth:
“For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
God is not surprised when we stumble. He understands our weaknesses, and through Jesus, He offers forgiveness and the strength to move forward.
Jesus: The One Who Picks Up the Pieces
When our resolutions fall apart, whether it’s in January or months later, we have a Savior who specializes in restoring broken things. Jesus invites us to bring our shattered dreams and efforts to Him, to find a way forward.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus doesn’t expect perfection. He invites us to lean on Him, to trust Him with our struggles, and to walk with Him as we seek to live lives that honor God.
What’s Worked Better for Me: Building Small Habits That Last
One of the reasons resolutions often fail is that they’re too big, too vague, or not paired with realistic plans for success. Instead of making sweeping resolutions, what if we focused on small, manageable changes that build over time?
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small habits. He writes: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Rather than resolving to “read the Bible more,” for example, we might start by committing to read just one verse each morning. Or instead of deciding to “exercise every day,” we could commit to 10 minutes of stretching or walking each morning. These small habits, when repeated consistently, grow into transformative changes.
An Example of a Small, Faithful Habit
As an example from my own life, I once resolved to be in God’s Word more. It was an admirable goal, and I managed to go quite a while reading a chapter a day in the Bible. But I was unable to reach the point where it turned into a regular habit. Inspired by the concept of small habits as well as Clear’s idea of “habit stacking” (building a good habit by combining it with something you’re already doing), I started listening to the #Daily Audio Bible during my commute to work (before I started working from home). When I shifted to remote work, I combined my daily Bible journey with my morning walk/hike. This small shift turned habit has enabled me to deepen my relationship with God and His Word.
The Call to Action: Turn to Jesus
So, if and when your resolutions falter, don’t despair. Instead, turn to Jesus. He stands ready to forgive, to guide, and to help us pick up the pieces. Ask Him for strength to try again, for wisdom to create a plan, and for grace to persevere.
As you head into 2025, consider focusing on building small, positive habits rather than grand, sweeping resolutions. And remember, whether your efforts succeed or fail, Jesus is with you. He loves you, and He wants to help you live a life full of meaning, joy, and peace.
Conclusion
This coming year, let’s approach our goals with humility and hope. Let’s rely on God’s grace rather than our own strength, and let’s remember that small steps taken consistently can lead to great progress. There’s a well-known proverb (attributed to a variety of sources, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mahatma Gandhi) that goes like this:
“Sow a thought, and you reap an action; sow an action, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”
Unknown
It’s obviously important to try to grow and improve ourselves, but it’s also important for us to remember that when our efforts falter, we should bring our shattered resolutions to Jesus. He is the one who restores, redeems, and walks with us through every season.
May your 2025 be filled with the peace and strength that come from walking with Him.
There’s a book I used to read to my kids when they were young, and that I now read to my grandchildren, called “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram. In it, Big Nutbrown Hare stretches out his arms as wide as he can in order to show Little Nutbrown Hare how much he loves him. “I love you this much!” he says.
Well, here’s God saying to us, “Guess how much I love you.”
“I love you this much,” Jesus tells us, stretching out His arms as wide as they can go.
This rescue, this demonstration of sacrificial love, began 33 years earlier when Jesus left heaven to appear among us as a helpless baby. “I love you this much, too,” He tells us.
Merry Christmas, my friends. May God’s hope, peace, joy, and love infuse your Christmas, and the days beyond.
Christmas is a time of joy, hope, peace, and celebration, but at its heart lies the most important theme of all: love. The story of Christmas is the story of sacrificial love—a love so deep and enduring that it changed the course of history. It changed my life, and probably yours, too. This love is woven throughout the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, expressed in the lives of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus Himself.
Let’s reflect on the sacrificial love in the Christmas story and consider how it can inspire us to love more deeply, selflessly, and courageously.
Mary: A Mother’s Love
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, his message was strange and startling:
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
On a side note, I am always amused with the depiction of angels in Christmas decor and plays. They are usually gentle-looking, tame, like cherubic children. The reality of their appearance must be much different from that, though, because the first thing they always say to people who see them is, “Don’t be afraid!” I assume from this that they must be terrifying to behold.
Anyway, back to Mary and her encounter with Gabriel. Mary was a young woman—likely a teenager—when she received this shocking assignment. She could have doubted, or maybe even refused. She could have allowed fear to overshadow her faith. But instead, she responded with incredible humility and obedience:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Despite the fear, uncertainty, and potential social fallout, Mary chose to trust God. And based on my experience with pregnant women, I am confident that Mary’s love for Jesus began to grow as soon as she recovered from the shock of Gabriel’s visit. As her body began to nurture the mysterious baby growing inside her, Mary embraced her role as His mother. Her love for Jesus became a picture of the tender, sacrificial love that defines motherhood.
Joseph: A Protector’s Love
Joseph faced an equally challenging test of love. When he learned that his fiance was pregnant, he could have publicly exposed her, protecting his own reputation. Instead, he chose a path of grace and courage. After an angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph embraced the unbelievable truth that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Instead of protecting himself, Joseph chose to shield Mary from shame and danger, even at great personal risk. In a culture where their situation could have made them social outcasts—or worse—Joseph protected Mary and lovingly stepped into the role of earthly father to a child who was not biologically his. Out of love, he accepted what must have been a daunting assignment. I mean, how do you raise a child who was conceived by the Holy Spirit? Joseph’s selflessness and commitment stand as an excellent example of love in action.
Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Of all the examples of sacrificial love in the Christmas story, none compares to the love of Jesus. Before His birth, Jesus existed in perfect unity with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, dwelling in heaven—a place of complete peace and joy, untouched by pain or evil or sin. Yet He willingly left all of that behind to come to earth as a helpless baby.
Think about what this meant. The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to take on human flesh, relying on His earthly parents for survival and enduring the struggles of human life. As Paul writes in Philippians:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Jesus’ birth was just the beginning of His sacrificial journey. He knew the path ahead would lead to rejection, suffering, and ultimately the cross. Yet He came anyway, motivated by His boundless love for humanity, for you and for me. While He was here, He reminded His friends (including you and me):
The Christmas story is a powerful reminder that God Himself is the source of all love. As the Apostle John tells us:
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Through Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, we see love lived out in ways that challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Their stories call us to consider how we can embody sacrificial love in our relationships, our communities, and our world.
Reflect on Love
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, in spite of the extreme busyness of these days, we should take a few moments to reflect on these extraordinary examples of love. Let’s also consider the ways we’ve experienced love in our own lives. Who has shown you sacrificial love? Who has inspired you to love bigger and bolder? How can you live into that, in big and small ways, as you go about the next few days, and the days, weeks, and months beyond Christmas?
The love of Christmas is not just a cute little story for a kids’ Christmas play—it’s a reality we’re invited to fold into the way we lead our lives. God’s love for us, demonstrated in the life and sacrifice of Jesus, empowers us to love others with courage and selflessness.
Conclusion
The love of Christmas is a love that changes everything. It’s the love of a young mother saying “yes” to God’s plan, of an earthly father offering protection and grace, and of a Savior leaving the glory of heaven to rescue us. This is the love we celebrate at Christmas—a love that transforms hearts and brings light into the darkest places.
This season, let’s slow down in the midst of the busyness and reflect on the love that came to live among us. Let’s celebrate the good in this mostly evil world, remembering that God’s love is greater than any darkness we face. And let’s share that love with others, letting it shine brightly as a beacon of hope.
I would like to carry the love of Christmas with me, not just on December 25th but every day. How about you? We need to remember that God’s love is not ours to keep, but something we must share generously. God will give us more. May we be inspired by Mary’s trust, Joseph’s courage, and Jesus’ sacrifice to love others boldly and selflessly. For in loving others, we reflect the heart of God, who is love.
Will you share your own stories or reflections of love in the comments?
As we journey through Advent, preparing our hearts for Christmas and the arrival of the Christ child, the theme of joy weaves itself through our celebrations. We sing it in carols, see it in decorations, and hear it in Christmas greetings. People generally seem a little bit nicer during this time. But what is this joy we celebrate? Is it the same as happiness, or is it something deeper?
Let’s reflect on the difference between happiness and joy, and the boundless well of joy that is ours in Christ this season and every day.
Happiness vs. Joy
Happiness can be fleeting. It’s a response to favorable circumstances—receiving a thoughtful gift, enjoying time with loved ones, or seeing your favorite sports team win. While happiness is a wonderful feeling, it’s mostly tied to our external environment, making it fragile. When circumstances change, happiness can quickly dissipate.
Joy, on the other hand, runs much deeper. It’s not dependent on what’s happening around us but flows from a wellspring within us.
My Dog Named Happy
I have a golden doodle dog I named Happy. This name suits her (I think dogs tend to live into the names we give them), but I sometimes wonder if I should have named her Joy instead. Here’s why I say that. There’s a little park we pass through on our daily walks. Since there’s never anyone around at that park early in the morning when we’re there, and since she’s a well-trained dog, I allow her a little time to run free, off her leash. As soon as I release her, she runs in crazy circles, flinging her cares to the wind. When she’s running with such reckless abandon, the French phrase Joie de vivrealways pops into my head. It translates to “joy of living” or “joy of life.” It refers to a cheerful enjoyment of life, an exuberant attitude, or a zest for life that is marked by an enthusiastic appreciation for the present moment and all its experiences.
Happy the Smiling Dog
I try to live like that, but I don’t always succeed like Happy does. I want to carry with me throughout each day an infectious optimism. I want to always delight in simple pleasures, relationships, and the beauty of everyday life. Such joy is not tied to material wealth or external achievements but rather a deep sense of gratitude, contentment, and passion for living.
For followers of Christ, joy like this is available to us. It is a deep well that comes from knowing we are loved, even on our worst day. It results from recognizing that God doesn’t condemn us—on the contrary, He saved us by sending us His Son. It is rooted in the unchanging nature of God’s promises rather than the shifting tides of life. God holds us and our futures in His strong, capable hands. When I think of that, I feel like running around in crazy circles myself.
Nehemiah reminds us of the deep truth of the joy of life with God when he writes:
Joy is more than a fleeting emotion—it is a source of strength that sustains us through life’s valleys and peaks.
The Deep Well of Joy in Christmas
At Christmas, we have every reason to rejoice because we celebrate the coming of our Savior. The baby born in Bethlehem is not just a tender child in a manger; He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to save us. This truth is the foundation of our joy, a joy that nothing in this world can take away.
The angel declared this profound joy when announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV)
The good news of Christ’s birth is the reason for the deep, abiding joy that we celebrate. This joy is not limited to Christmas Day—it is available to us every day, in every season.
Joy to the World
One of my favorite Christmas carols, “Joy to the World,” captures the essence of this joy. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics based on Psalm 98. Verses from this psalm include:
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy…
Here’s an example of how Watts interpreted these verses:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.
“Joy to the World”, by Isaac Watts
This hymn reminds us that the joy of Christmas is not just for a select few but for the entire world. Jesus’ arrival is the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem creation and restore it to Himself. When we sing “Joy to the World,” we proclaim the incredible truth that the King has come and His reign brings hope, peace, and joy to all who receive Him.
Living in the Joy of Christmas
For those of us who have accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation through Jesus, the joy of Christmas is not confined to the Advent season. It is a wellspring we can draw from every day. When life is challenging, when happiness feels out of reach, the joy of knowing Jesus sustains us.
Look at that guy in the picture. If I could jump more than an inch and a half off the ground, that would be me when I think about the countless ways God has blessed me.
Joy that makes you jump like that is not based on external circumstances but on the unshakable truth of God’s love and faithfulness.
Conclusion
This Advent season, will you make room in your heart for the joy of Christmas? We should all reflect on this incredible gift: the tiny baby Jesus, the Creator of all things who put on humanity to come to earth and save us from ourselves. The Bringer of eternal joy. Whether we are singing carols, gathering with loved ones, or spending quiet moments walking with Jesus in prayer, let’s remember that the joy we celebrate is a joy that lasts—one that transcends our circumstances and anchors us in God’s promises.
May the joy of the Lord be your strength this season and every day to come. Rejoice, for the Lord is come!
Master's Canvas - Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter 