This morning, I spent time praying and asking God what He wanted me to focus on this coming week.
It’s going to be a significant one. I’ll be returning to my hometown as my parents fly back to the Philippines, and I want to be there to welcome them. My best friend is also leaving the country for work, and I’m praying we can spend time together before she goes. On top of that, our church will be celebrating its anniversary — a time of joy, fellowship, and thanksgiving.
But alongside all the excitement, I felt something else quietly stirring in my heart: a lingering unease.
When Home Brings Both Joy and Challenge
To be honest, returning home during my sabbatical feels like a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. I’ve grown used to certain rhythms — a private space for prayer, morning walks, and a set writing routine — and I know being in a shared home will mean adjusting those habits. I also care deeply about my family, and I don’t want my routines or preferences to cause any misunderstandings. My desire is to be a blessing, not a burden, and to handle every moment with grace.
One morning, as I brought these thoughts before the Lord, I prayed:
“Lord, I know it is time to go back home, but I still carry many concerns. Examine my heart, Lord. Remove any fear and replace it with Your peace.”
In that quiet prayer, God began to gently realign my perspective. It was as if He whispered,
“Your peace doesn’t depend on the place you’re in, but on My presence with you.”
God’s Reminder: Worship Can Happen Anywhere
That simple truth softened my heart. Worship isn’t confined to a certain corner of my room or a perfect morning schedule. Worship is about my heart posture — and wherever I am, I can glorify Him intentionally.
Instead of focusing on what I might lose in my routines, I began to see opportunities to bring God into each moment — while helping, walking, talking, or simply being present with loved ones.
I grabbed my tablet and calendar and began planning with purpose — not just for my own benefit, but with the question: “How can I glorify God and bless others each day?”
I mapped out:
- Where I could spend quiet time with God.
- Who I could be intentional about meeting and encouraging.
- Opportunities to serve — big or small — in my family and church.
Slowly, the fear gave way to peace, and peace gave way to anticipation.
I was reminded that God is a God of order and intentionality, and He calls us to live the same way.
3 Anchors For a God-Aligned Week
That’s when I sensed God leading me to set three simple “anchors” for the week — practices that would keep my heart close to Him no matter what happened. I realized these weren’t just for my trip home; they’re anchors I could hold onto anywhere, in any season.
These are the same three anchors you can use to keep your life aligned with God’s presence whether you’re in a new environment, navigating a busy schedule, or facing a week that feels uncertain.
1. Communion – Time With God Comes First
Anchor truth: When we stay close to Him, everything else finds its right place.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
The first and greatest priority is to love God with our whole being. Without this, everything else in life starts to drift.
The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 reminds us:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, simply listening to Him, instead of rushing into tasks. That is communion — putting His presence above everything else.
For me, that means protecting my mornings for worship, prayer, and writing — even if I have to find a different spot or step outside to do it.
A small step you can take: Block out time for God first, before other activities claim your attention. It might be early morning, during a lunch break, or before bed — what matters is that it’s intentional and undistracted.
2. Community – Connect With the Body of Christ
Anchor truth: We’re not meant to follow Jesus alone.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39
Faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. God designed us to walk together, encouraging and building one another up.
Hebrews 10:24–25 says:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This week, I plan to have coffee with my best friends, spend time with my small group, and take part in our church anniversary preparations. Writing this here is my way of staying accountable to follow through.
A small step you can take: Choose one or two people this week to encourage or connect with. Send a message, invite them for a meal, or pray with them. It doesn’t have to be grand — just genuine.
3. Commission – Be a Light in the World
Anchor truth: Your everyday life is your mission field.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19
Our calling isn’t only to stay within church walls but to carry the light of Christ wherever we go. But here’s the order: before we pour out, we must first be filled.
This week, my mission starts with my own family. I’m inviting them to our church anniversary service. I’m also planning to have dinner with my dad to reconnect and simply enjoy a meal together (my parents are separated, so this time matters).
A small step you can take: Pray about one person you can reach out to this week — maybe a coworker, neighbor, or family member. Look for ways to love them in both word and action.
Walking Into the Week With God’s Peace
As I pack my bag and prepare to head home, I’m no longer dwelling on what might go wrong. Instead, I’m holding onto these anchors, trusting that God’s presence will meet me in every conversation, every shared space, and every change of plan.
The truth is — you don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to feel close to God. You can walk with Him into messy, beautiful, ordinary, or unpredictable days, knowing that His peace is not bound by location or routine.
So as you step into your own week, remember:
- Stay rooted in His Word.
- Talk to Him often.
- Look for ways to bless.
And watch how His presence turns even the busiest, most uncertain days into opportunities for worship.
You’re not just entering another week — you’re walking into it with the King of Peace by your side.
Reflection Questions
- What fears or anxieties do you need to bring to God today?
- How can you intentionally make time with Him this week?
- Who in your community might need encouragement right now?
Let’s Share the Hope
If this encouraged your heart, please don’t forget to subscribe so we can keep walking in faith together. Share your thoughts in the comments, or simply tap the ⭐ so I know you’re here.
And if you can, pass this along to friends or family who need a reminder of God’s love today — every share helps reach someone who might really need it.
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
Related Posts:
- When God Asks You to Move: The Cost, the Peace, and the Promise
- God’s Faithfulness in the Wilderness: What My Sabbatical Taught Me About Rest and Provision
- From Fear to Faith: Choosing the Path That Honors God
- How I Start My Day with God: My Morning Routine as a Christian Writer (and Why It Matters)
- Writing to Serve: 3 Anchors That Keep My Blog Rooted in Christ
- When God Uses Your Story: How One Blog Post Encouraged a Stranger (and Me)
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