New Year's Message - How to find God in the everyday

Finding God in Everyday Moments: A Guide to Spiritual Habits for the New Year

As we approach a new year, many of us are thinking about resolutions and fresh starts. But what if instead of focusing on temporary resolutions, we developed lasting spiritual habits that help us recognize God's presence in our daily lives?

Why Spiritual Habits Matter More Than Resolutions

While New Year's resolutions can be exciting, they often fail because they lack the consistency needed for real change. Spiritual habits, on the other hand, are the consistent practices that produce genuine growth in our faith. These daily rhythms help us stay connected to God throughout the year, not just in January.
The theologian Frederick Buechner summed up his entire ministry with one simple encouragement: "Listen to your life." This means paying close attention to the people closest to us, the circumstances we find ourselves in, and the everyday moments that make up our lives. According to Buechner, God speaks to us through these ordinary experiences, and "all moments are holy moments."

How Do We Reflect on God's Presence in Our Lives?

Before looking ahead to the new year, it's helpful to reflect on how God has been present in the year behind us. Consider these four questions:

What Were the Moments of Sadness?

Think back to times of illness, job loss, relational conflict, or other difficulties. Even in these challenging moments, God was present. Sometimes we can only see His presence when we look back with the perspective that time provides.

What Were the Moments of Joy?

Recall the celebrations, achievements, and happy surprises of the past year. These moments of joy are often clear glimpses of God's goodness and blessing in our lives.

When Did You Feel God's Presence Most Clearly?

Perhaps it was during worship, on a quiet walk, or even in a hospital room. These moments remind us that God shows up in both expected and unexpected places.

When Did God Feel Absent?

We all have times when our prayers seem unanswered and God feels distant. These moments are also part of our spiritual journey and can teach us important lessons about faith and perseverance.

What Does It Mean to See All Moments as Holy?

Every experience - whether joyful or sorrowful - offers an opportunity to encounter God. Sometimes we only recognize God's presence in spectacular "wow" moments, but He is equally present in the mundane and ordinary.
When facing difficult circumstances, instead of asking "God, why is this happening?" try asking "God, what are you doing in the midst of this?" This shift in perspective can help us see how God might be preparing us for what's ahead or teaching us something we need to learn.

How Can We Experience God Among Us?

God reveals Himself through everyday experiences that we might otherwise overlook:

A breathtaking sunset or sunrise
An encouraging text from a friend at just the right moment
A meaningful conversation about faith
Christmas memories that remind us of God's blessings
Unexpected encounters where we can help someone in need

These moments invite us to pause and recognize God's hand in our daily lives.

How Can We Experience God in Us?

As followers of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us constantly. This means there are truly no ordinary moments because God's presence is always with us. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to obey God and opens our eyes to what He is doing around us.

What's a Simple Way to Start Each Day?

Begin each morning with this simple prayer: "God, awaken me to your presence today."
This brief prayer invites the Holy Spirit to help us notice God's activity throughout our day. When we start with this intention, we become more aware of the ways God is speaking to us through ordinary circumstances and encounters.

How Does God Speak to Us Daily?

As Buechner beautifully expressed: "God speaks to us much more often than we realize. His message is written out for each of us in the humdrum, helter-skelter events of each day. Not knowing is what makes today a holy mystery, as every day is a holy mystery."
We don't know how God will choose to speak to us each day, through which person, or in what circumstance. This uncertainty makes the practice of listening to our lives all the more important and exciting.

Life Application

This week, commit to developing the spiritual habit of listening to your life. Start each day with the prayer "God, awaken me to your presence today" and then pay attention to how He might be speaking to you through ordinary moments, conversations, and circumstances.
Ask yourself these questions:

Am I looking for God only in spectacular moments, or am I open to seeing Him in everyday experiences?
How can I shift from asking "Why is this happening?" to "What are you teaching me through this?"
What would change in my daily routine if I truly believed that all moments are holy moments?
How might God be preparing me through current circumstances for what's ahead?

Remember, God has placed you here not just to exist, but to live with purpose - to glorify Him. When you develop the habit of listening to your life, you'll discover that He is speaking to you far more often than you ever realized.