The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are

new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

One of my favorite things about the new year is the opportunity to reflect on my goals from the

previous year and set new daily habits. The past six months have flown by and for many of us

could be described simply as busy. Busy work schedule, family commitments, shopping, holiday

parties, and the list goes on. I have learned in 2024 that when I get wrapped up in the busyness

of my own life, I become more anxious and lose connection with God. So, one of my goals for

2025 and one that should always be our goal is to grow deeper in my relationship with God.

Lamentations 3 is such a great reminder of God’s faithful love for his people during a time of

chaos and disconnection. 

Lamentations was written as a lament for the people of Jerusalem who were turning away from

God and facing destruction. However, there is hope in seasons where we are overwhelmed and

at times feel distant from our Heavenly Father. There are three things the passage from

Lamentations teaches us about focusing our eyes on God when it seems like life is a never-

ending to-do list: 

1. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end… Declare the

truth! It can be so hard to know what is true these days with social media and all the voices

around us. The Bible is Truth, and it is important to stay rooted in God’s promises. 

2. They are new every morning… One practical way to grow closer to God is to start your

morning in His Word and look for His love and mercy all throughout your day. I recently took a

run and was in awe of the beautiful morning sky that God had created. Look for God’s mercies

in the simple moments throughout your day!

3. “Great is your faithfulness.” Live with a heart of worship. Worship of who God is and anxiety

cannot coexist. One of the most influential books I have read, The Ruthless Elimination of

Hurry by John Mark Comer, says, "to walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace.

Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it."

As you prepare your heart for this new year, what daily habits do you need to adopt or improve

so you can slow down and grow closer to the Lord in 2025?

By C.A. Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Pray for these missionaries today: 

Lucas and Faith Henegar working with Balkan people and Southeast Europe.

Brodie Craig in Valledupar, Colombia

Tess and Lee Sharp serving at Camp Nathanael in Eastern Kentucky