As we enter the final stretch of 2024, with the hustle and bustle of year-end events and celebrations filling our calendars, it can be easy to get swept up in the busyness. At our recent year-end gathering of the Be Connected Ambassadors, Carla shared a beautiful reminder that resonates deeply – God is always with us. No matter how hectic life gets, or what challenges or uncertainties we face, God holds us securely in His hands.
Carla’s message highlighted the 3 B’s, three powerful symbols of God’s presence and faithfulness, that offer us strength, encouragement, and hope. Thank you Carla!
The Lamb’s Book of Life
The first B represents the Lamb’s Book of Life, where the names of those who have given their lives to Jesus are written. This is not just a concept—it’s a profound truth that assures us of our eternal place with God.
In Revelation 21:27, we read, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are sealed with His promise of salvation. Our names are forever inscribed in this divine book, reminding us that our identity is secure in Him. This truth serves as a constant reminder that we are chosen and loved by God, and our eternal destiny is with Him.
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the joy and peace that comes from knowing you are known and loved by God in such an eternal and personal way.
The Bottle of Tears
The second B speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of our struggles and pain. In Psalm 56:8, the psalmist declares, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
This imagery is both tender and profound. God sees every tear we shed, whether they be tears of grief, frustration, fear, or even joy, and He treasures them. They are not wasted or forgotten but are held in His loving care. Knowing that our tears are not unnoticed by our Heavenly Father can bring immense comfort and strength to our weary hearts.
If you’re carrying burdens or sorrow as this year comes to a close, take heart. God knows and cares deeply for you. He is with us always, offering His comfort and peace.
The Bowl of Prayers
Finally, the third B reminds us of the power of prayer. In Revelation 5:8, we are told about the golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Every prayer we utter – whether spoken aloud, whispered in quiet moments, in our hearts, or offered through our tears, is precious to God.
Psalm 27:7 encourages us: “Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.” Our prayers are not just heard, they are treasured by the One who created us. He listens, responds, and moves in ways we may not always understand but can always trust.
Holding onto God in the Busyness
As we reflect on the 3 B’s: the Lamb’s Book of Life, the Bottle of Tears, and the Bowl of Prayers, let us remember that our God is always with us. Whether the season ahead is filled with joy, challenges, or both, we can rest in His love, comfort, strength, and peace.
Psalm 27:1 reminds us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
No matter how hectic this final stretch of 2024 gets, may we find moments to pause and reflect on God’s goodness, promises and faithfulness. Let us draw near to Him, assured that He knows us, hears us, and holds us close. As we step into each day, may we carry these truths in our hearts, remembering that our God has us — now and always.
Blessings to you as we close this year with hearts full of gratitude and hope.
Heavenly Father,
As we pause in the midst of our busy lives,
we turn to You, our safe refuge and eternal hope.
Help us to let go of our fears and anxieties,
to trust that You hold us in Your loving hands.
May we remember that we are Your beloved children,
our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life,
our tears counted and held,
and our prayers treasured by You.
Teach us to live in the stillness of Your presence,
to hear Your gentle voice amid the noise of the world,
and to surrender all we are into Your care.
We place our lives, our loved ones,
and our future into Your faithful hands.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Much love
Michelle