Before the year flies by any faster, I want to ask you something real—something only you can answer. When was the last time you did something just for you—without asking for permission, without checking with anyone to make sure it was okay, and without feeling guilty? Or maybe the better question is: how close are you to the dream that’s been in your heart since before you even knew how to name it?
Have you buried it?
Did you give up on it?
Or are you still carrying it around, waiting for the right moment?
And if that dream hasn’t happened yet, have you talked to God about it lately? Not with polished words or a memorized prayer, but in a real, raw conversation? When was the last time you were truly honest with Him? Told Him how you’re really doing, what you really want, and where you’re truly struggling?
Some of us were raised to think of God as distant—or only there when things fall apart. Others were taught that you have to go through someone else to speak to Him, or that your prayers need to sound holy or perfect.
But God’s not looking for a performance. He’s after your presence. Your heart. “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13
A lot of us are listening to every voice but His. We chase advice. Seek validation. We wait for a sign, a green light, or some kind of confirmation—something we think only someone else can give us. We've grown used to secondhand faith and forgotten we have full access to the Father.
And for some reason, we still hesitate.
Maybe someone told you there’s a “right” way to pray. Maybe they said you shouldn’t question God, or that your needs aren’t important enough to bring up. Maybe you’ve stopped praying for yourself altogether. Just waiting for someone else to carry you to Him.
But hear me—you don’t need anyone’s permission to talk to God. You don’t need the perfect words. You just need to come.
The Bible says fear has to do with punishment. But God’s love is perfect—and perfect love casts out fear. So if fear is running the show, ask yourself: What are you really afraid of? Who told you that God is disappointed in you? That you’re not enough?
Maybe it’s time to wake up—not just physically, but spiritually. To stop shrinking. To stop hiding. To stop waiting for permission to live the life God already called you to.
Right now, I’m sitting here, music playing in the background, reflecting on how real my relationship with God has become. I talk to Him about everything. I love Him—and I know He loves me. I bring Him the good, the messy, and all the stuff in between.
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” —Psalm 32:1-2
My daughter’s the same with me—open, honest, fearless. She doesn’t wait for the right moment or try to clean up her words. She just talks to her dad. And I listen.
One time, I told a coworker how my daughter tells me everything, and she said something I’ll never forget: “If your child can’t come to you with everything, somewhere along the way, you failed them.”
That hit me. And it reminded me—that’s how I come to God. I hold nothing back. And He doesn’t want you to either. He already knows it all. He just wants time with you. Time to love on you. To fill you. To remind you of the life He’s dreamed for you. A life better than anything you’ve imagined.
You don’t need a script. You don’t need to earn it. You just need to show up.
In 1 Samuel, when Samuel thought David’s older brother would be the next king because of how impressive he looked, God said: “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
He’s not moved by titles, status, or your latest success. He’s moved by your heart. And that’s all He wants—you, just as you are.
If you seek Him with your whole heart, He promises—you’ll find Him. He’s not hiding. He’s waiting. And He wants something deeper than Sunday routines and surface prayers.
Some of my favorite memories with my daughter are when we're just hanging out, laughing, talking, being ourselves. There's nothing forced, nothing scripted - just presence. That’s where our relationship grows. That’s where trust is built. That’s where love is strengthened.
And every time, I'm reminded, that's what God wants with us.
So stop overthinking it. Stop doubting yourself. Stop believing the lie that you have to clean yourself up before you come. Just come. He already knows you. He already loves you. And He already has a plan for your life that’s bigger than what you’ve been settling for.
The question is: Will you let Him in?
Let’s Pray
Father God,
Thank You for loving me—completely, fully, without conditions.
Thank You for seeing me, even when I feel invisible.
Help me trust You again. Help me talk to You honestly.
Show me how to bring every part of myself before You.
Remind me that I don’t have to be perfect—I just have to be present.
Help me let go of fear, shame, guilt, and the lies that keep me distant.
Awaken the dream You placed in me. Show me how to walk in it.
Thank You for being a Father who listens, who loves, and who never leaves.
