Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?…
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 13: 1-2, 5-6 (ESV)

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” 
Psalm 23: 4 (NLT)

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…
Isaiah 9: 2 (ESV)

“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.”
Isaiah 41: 10 (NIV) 

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3: 13-14 (NLT)

This past year, 2025, and most every year past we can remember, has taught us that life does not always go the way we planned, expected, or hoped.

Often requiring us to do our best, alone, to simply hang on.

Words like those of David rise up in our hearts— “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13: 1)  

Disappointments, shortfalls, mistakes, choices, decisions, and failures often leave us on the wrong side of the best place for our days.

Relationships resembled a ride on a roller coaster, much too often.

Our spirits are crushed as loved ones pass from our presence here on earth, reminding us of the brevity of our time here. 

Unexpected illnesses slammed us full in the face requiring abrupt and unexpected changes in immediate and future plans.

Loss after loss, disappointment upon disappointment, with friends turning away. Weary with no energy to step out even if you knew the way.  

Wanting nothing further to do with anything, while no light is breaking through the darkness overwhelming your life.  

All taken together, we may be tempted to wonder what is the point.

Then in unexpected moments and amazing ways, as He always does, God pokes us reminding us that we are not alone on the journey. He is there with us on our journey, every step of the way.

There, reminding us as He did through Isaiah, and as He does in so many other ways— “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.”  (Isaiah 41: 10)

The words in the song “Press On” written by Daniel Burgess, and sung by Selah capture what God does for us, with His Son, our Savior and Lord—

“When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on…”

In Jesus’ Name, let us together embrace the gift of—2026. 

The truth is that we will probably still have moments when we want to give up, to throw in the towel.

Whispering quietly within “no more” and looking for a detour, a way out.

But in those moments let’s remember Who is with you, and Who is with me, and get ready to feel His poke, and then—

“In Jesus’ Name, press on.”

With Him.  

In His Name–Scott

Be lifted, affirmed, and blessed as you listen to Selah sing “Press On.” I will bet that you can’t listen to it just one time.