The Candid Christian

Today, I caught my heart in a very honest place.

At two different points, I felt anxious. Afraid. Restless in ways I couldn’t immediately explain. And then it hit me — I had missed my Bible plan yesterday. With all the activities, movement, and noise of starting a new year, I didn’t begin the year the way I intended to.

I told God exactly how I felt.

“This isn’t how I wanted to start my year.”

“I need Your help to be disciplined.”

Not disciplined in a harsh or striving way — but in a loving, anchored, consistent way.

Discipline Isn’t Punishment — It’s Protection

One thing the Holy Spirit reminded me of today is this: discipline isn’t God being strict with us; it’s God lovingly protecting our hearts.

When I drift from the Word, my mind becomes louder.

When I neglect stillness, fear finds room to speak.

When I rush, anxiety feels justified.

But when I return — even imperfectly — peace follows.

What I’m Learning (and Practicing Again)

I don’t want this reflection to stay abstract, so I want to share the very practical steps I’m committing to — and maybe you can join me too.

1. Waking Up at a Set Time

Not an extreme hour. Just a consistent one.

Consistency builds trust — with ourselves and with God.

Even 30 minutes earlier, if done faithfully, creates room for the soul to breathe.

2. Opening the Word Before Opening the World

Before messages. Before timelines. Before tasks.

Not to rush through a plan, but to take in the Word. Slowly. Honestly. Expectantly.

3. Journaling — Even When It’s Messy

Some days it’s scriptures.

Some days it’s prayers.

Some days it’s tears written as sentences.

God meets us in the honesty, not the aesthetics.

4. Practicing Stillness

Stillness isn’t emptiness — it’s awareness.

Sitting quietly before God.

Letting Him calm the noise.

Allowing His presence to remind my heart that I am safe.

5. Resting in His Love and Providence

This one feels especially important.

I’m learning to stop striving to “get it right” and instead rest in the truth that God already has me.

He is not surprised by missed days.

He is not impatient with our growth.

He is faithful — always.

A Gentle Invitation (Let’s Be Accountable)

I honestly desire to take in more of God’s Word this year — not for performance, but for transformation.

And if you’re reading this and feel similar — behind, distracted, or disappointed in how you started — you’re not alone.

Let’s encourage one another.

Let’s check in.

Let’s return again and again to the Word — without shame.

I’ll be sharing this journey openly, not because I have it all figured out, but because we grow better together.

Grace for the days we miss.

Strength for the days we show up.

And peace as we learn to rest — fully — in Him.