A New Year, A New Light

By Amber Weigand-Buckley

Amber Weigand-Buckley http://www.COFFEECHATLADIES.COM

As we enter a new year, I must be honest: to me, it just feels heavy. 

There’s a sinking feeling that’s been lingering in me these past few months, an urge to put the shutters up on life and keep out whatever the future may bring. 

The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and it’s tempting to shrink back, to withdraw into a place where things feel safer and more manageable.

But even in these moments, I’m beginning to recognize something powerful: God has me here, even now, amid all this uncertainty. 

It’s something I have to remind myself of every single day.

The thought that brings me back is that I’m not alone in this struggle, and if you are feeling this too, neither are you. 

Even Paul, who poured out his heart in worship, still lamented the hard things while praising God simultaneously. He showed us that praise and lament can live side by side, a reminder that we don’t have to choose between being honest about our struggles and holding onto our faith. Instead, we can bring them both to God, knowing He is with us in the praise and pain. 

I used to think strength would come only through seasons of peace and comfort. 

But I’m learning that our hearts find resilience in the tension, the unknowns, and the uncomfortable steps forward. God doesn’t ask us to face this future with unshakeable certainty.

He simply asks us to trust that He’s here, right where we are, even when everything feels shadowed.

Psalm 18:28 captures this beautifully: “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (NIV). 

This verse has been a lifeline, reminding me that God’s light can keep my lamp burning even when I feel like shutting down. I don’t need to see the whole path ahead; I just need to take each step, knowing He will turn every shadow into light in His perfect timing. 

So, as we enter this year, whatever we are struggling with in each moment, let’s welcome it as an invitation for our light to shine more brightly. Every moment of doubt, every step that feels hard to take, is another place where His presence will meet us. As you read this new issue of Leading Hearts, may you be inspired to hold onto that hope, facing this new year with hearts that know God is with all us, not just the Emmanuel of Christmas, but in all of the uncertainties of everyday life. 

He is WORKING for our good and even in the lament—He continues writing your beautiful story that will bring new light to the year ahead.

To order a print copy of this issue go to https://leadinghearts.com/printmagazine 

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