“Reflections on How and Why”
Here we are-2025! It’s strange how quickly we grow accustomed to the last two numbers of the year despite how bizarre they used to sound. As a kid in the 80’s I recall saying, “Dad, wonder what it will be like in the 2000’s!” in which he would respond, “Oh, they’ll probably have flying cars by then!” We may not be like George Jetson yet, but one thing is certain the calendar years keep rolling by and each one presents us with new opportunity. As we gear up for 2025, what fresh approaches are you considering?
In a world filled with a million ‘must try’ options you may feel overwhelmed even considering a new approach. I admit, my mind grows weary just thinking of what changes I could make with things I already do! As I considered the content I write for Purpose with Perspective, I took some time to reflect on the questions I have been asked about my faith.
“How and when did you find joy in being a Christian?”
“What part of the Bible should I read if I want to understand God more?”
“How do I stay and feel close to God?”
There are a variety of answers I could offer for these questions, but one message that summarized it all was “I re-learned who God was by reading His Word and seeing purpose in life’s experiences….”
From childhood to adulthood an acknowledgment of God was front and center. Church attendance, the availability of the Bible and John 3:16 were ingrained in me, but a weight of could’ve, would’ve, should’ve lingered along my Christian walk. An image of God holding a clipboard making tally marks on how ‘well’ I had done throughout the day made Christianity feel exhausting. My view of sin was distorted as I thought sin had a scale of 1-10 and my ‘good’ behavior kept me looking acceptable to God. Yet, underneath it all my understanding of why He sent His Son to die for me was… well…kind of confusing, despite my belief in it.
It wasn’t until I made a commitment to return to God’s Word in search of understanding God more that my heart connected to my faith and love and gratitude sprouted. The seeds had always been there, but a lack of grasping God’s holiness, our sin and the need for Jesus’ final sacrifice brought abundant growth in a relationship with Him.
If you have a similar story, I’d love to hear how Christianity shifted from a lot of ‘don’t do this’ moments to heartfelt obedience rooted in love, not obligation. If you feel challenged in really understanding why we needed Jesus’ sacrifice and why God would create such a moment, I’d love to visit with you. If you find yourself saying-this year I want to learn more about God’s character and strengthen my relationship with Him, consider this prayer as you open the Bible “teach me about You, God.” Journal your questions and desires and watch the attributes of God become the ‘why’ to your own faith in Him and the ‘how’ to abide in Him.
Subscribe to Purpose with Perspective this year for encouragement and come alongside me as I continue to write about His love for us and why He is my source of joy!
Below is a song I came across that I felt the lyrics were so honest and transparent for those who may be hurting this season. 2024 was filled with the loss of so many loved ones, may God’s promise of reuniting in Heaven be the help for your heart as you move forward in 2025.
