Ready or not, here we are in another new year. While there is a lot of focus on resolutions swirling around us this time of year, what I’m finding that matters most is embracing the moment, the here and now. I honestly haven’t thought much about resolutions. Maybe because I know last year’s remain unfinished.

Even if what you’ve started remains unfinished, do you recognize how far you’ve come? Celebrate the steps you’ve taken to get to where you are now. Rather than looking so far ahead, what if we looked at the here and now rather than how far?

Your “here and now” may be a time of sorrow. We face moments of loss and heartache, and the valley seems neverending. And there are those other moments when we’re beaming with smiles of joy on the mountaintop, wanting to stay forever. No matter how far we travel in our valleys and mountaintops, one thing is certain: we have a Savior with us in our here-and-now moments.

I think of David, who was powerful in his conquests all because God was with him. God is with you, too. In the valley of sorrow, the LORD Almighty is there with you. As you laugh and rejoice on the mountaintop, He is there with you. In every season, God is with you.

And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:9

The more and more we make room for Jesus in our here and now, the more we will find strength, reassurance, hope, and confidence in our Father God.

We’ll find our focus more on how far God’s love reaches us in every season, much more than measuring ourselves based on goals we’ve set and whether or not we’ve started or finished them.

Resolution-oriented or not, do you find yourself measuring how far you’ve come? Perhaps you’re unsure how much more you need to do before you feel satisfied and at peace. However, what if the key to finding contentment is not about the distance you travel but rather about trusting that God is always with you every step of the way?

Maybe you don’t feel like you’ve moved forward as much as you had hoped. But could it be that you are further along than you realize? Pause right now and embrace the simple truth that God’s promises are true.

Let’s be honest. Life on earth comes with trouble, heartaches, bumps, and bruises. But despite all of what we endure on this earth, I think of Jesus always being there with us through every valley and up every mountain.

Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

1 Chronicles 17:16

David went in and sat with the LORD. In our here-and-now moments of disappointment, questions, or longings, what if we just paused and sat with God? We’d marvel in the wonder of His majesty and power, just as David did.

We can’t bring ourselves very far in our own strength. But as we rely on our Father God and His promises that hold us close to truth, we settle into His love. Rather than seeing what is unfinished in my life, I can sit with Him and thank Him for how far I’ve come, all because of His love and faithfulness.

David was amazed by the promises of God in his life. We can also be amazed at how far God has brought us, even if it sometimes feels like we’ve only taken half a step. The promises of God are always with us, and He is with us in the present moment.