Abide
Resting in God at the End of the Year, and the Beginning of All Things
Dear friend,
At the end of a year, we are often tempted to measure—to tally what was accomplished, what was lost, what still feels unresolved. But before God asks us to do anything next, He invites us to remain.
Abide.
Not rush.
Not fix.
Not figure everything out.
Just stay.
Abiding is the quiet center of faith. It is the posture of a soul that knows it is loved apart from productivity, clarity, or outcome. It is the place where striving loosens its grip and trust settles in.
As this year comes to a close, we end not with a list—but with a presence.
+ A Gentle Beginning
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Place one hand over your heart.
Breathe slowly and pray with each breath:
“Here I am.”
“Here You are.”
Let the year soften around you. Let yourself be held—without expectation, without urgency.
+ Scripture Meditation
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
— John 15:4
This is not a command born of pressure, but an invitation rooted in love.
To abide is to remain connected.
To stay near.
To draw life not from effort, but from relationship.
Jesus does not say, “Achieve.”
He does not say, “Prove.”
He says, “Remain.”
This is the crux: As the year closes, this final reflection invites us not to strive forward, but to abide—to rest in God’s presence, trust His faithfulness, and remember that our truest calling is simply to remain with Him.
+ Beauty Reflection (Visio Divina)
Take in this simple form—a circle, a quiet center, a place of rest and prayer. Nothing dramatic. Nothing loud. Just presence.
As you hold this image, notice how peace does not come from movement, but from stillness. From returning again and again to the center.
Let this painting remind you: God is not found only in the next step or new beginning. He is found here—now—dwelling with you.
As you reflect, consider:
Where has striving shaped my faith this year?
What would it look like to simply stay close to God as I move forward?
How might abiding become my way of entering the next season?
+ Prayer Prompts (for your journal, your prayer time, or your heart)
God, thank You for carrying me through this year.
Help me release what no longer needs to be held.
Teach me to abide rather than strive.
Root my life in Your presence above all else.
Prepare me for what comes next—not with fear, but with trust.
💬 You are welcome to share your reflections in the Virtual Prayer Room, holding space for gratitude and hope together.
