The Connection Corner

Safe in God’s Strong Hands

Matthew 14:27 — But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

When I was a little girl, I got to go to Yankee Stadium. My dad was taking us to watch the major league team in action, and I could hardly take it all in.

The city roared all around us. Taxis honked, people rushed past, and voices echoed off the tall buildings. I remember clutching my little purse so tightly.

Dad told me to wear it across my chest so no one could steal it. Then he reached down, wrapped his hand around mine, and led me toward the stadium. His hand was strong, steady, and sure.

We moved through a sea of people, but I never felt afraid.

Dad’s grip didn’t loosen, not even for a second. He watched every step ahead of us, making sure I stayed close. I remember the way he would tilt his head back just to check on me. There was no mistaking it—he was not letting go of his little girl.

That memory has stayed with me all these years later. It’s a snapshot I can still feel, because that is exactly how God is with us.

He holds our hand tightly with His right hand, drawing us close to His heart. He guides us when we cannot see where we’re going. He shields us when the world feels too loud and uncertain. His promises do not fade with time, and His hold does not weaken when the road gets crowded.

Sometimes, I still feel like that little girl in a world too big to handle. But when I slow down long enough to notice God’s hand holding mine, I realize I am still being led—and still being held.

And maybe that is what He’s been whispering all along: “Don’t be afraid, Take courage. I am here.”

Gratitude begins right there—in the middle of the chaos, with the steady reminder that we are not walking alone. His hand is still sure, His presence still near, and His heart still set on us.

And when you really see that, thankfulness becomes the most natural thing in the world.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

When have you felt like the world was too big or overwhelming? How does the image of God holding your hand change that perspective?
What fears are you carrying today that need to be placed into God’s care?
How can you practice noticing God’s presence and guidance in everyday life, even amid chaos?

November 22, 2025/by Brenda Price

The Friend Who Never Left

Daily Devotional, Jeff Connell

Hebrews 4:16 — Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I can still see him in the back seat—legs swinging, eyes shining, talking a mile a minute. He could hardly sit still because we were on our way to see his buddy, Max.

Back then, I could glance in the rearview mirror and see both boys grinning, covered in dirt, and full of plans that always seemed to involve snacks.

These days, my boy rides up front. He’s taller than me now, with a deeper voice and a driver’s permit that still makes me a little nervous. And today, we’re driving to the racetrack—same event, same two friends, just a few years older and a lot more sentimental on my end.

Their friendship started years ago under unusual circumstances. My son was pulled out of his own school once a week to attend a special program at Max’s school. I remember wondering how he’d handle being the new kid in a strange classroom. But then he met Max—and that was that.

That summer, their friendship stuck. Though we lived ten minutes apart, both sets of parents took turns shuttling them back and forth, week after week. They were inseparable.

And now, watching them pick up right where they left off—it gets me every time. There’s something beautiful about a friendship that doesn’t fade, no matter the distance or time apart.

But it also makes me think. Why is it so easy to believe that people can stay close through time and distance, but so hard to believe that about God?

Life gets busy. We drift. And before long, we convince ourselves we’ve gone too far to find our way back. But God never moves. He’s still standing right where you left Him, smiling, ready to welcome you home without a hint of hesitation.

Maybe that’s what grace really is. Not shame. Not scolding. Just joy at the reunion.

It reminds me of Hebrews 4:16, which says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

That verse isn’t an invitation for perfect people—it’s for wanderers, drifters, and those who feel like they’ve waited too long to return.

So if it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to buckle up again. The Friend who never left is still waiting—and the race of faith can start again right where you left off.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

When was the last time you “drew near” to God without hesitation? What made that moment possible?
Where in your life have you drifted, and how does Hebrews 4:16 reshape the way you think about returning?
What would confidence look like for you this week as you approach God—emotionally, spiritually, or practically?

November 21, 2025/by Jeff Connell

Worship from the Back Row

Bri Dunn, Daily Devotional

Psalm 48:9 — O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.

This is so different than what I am used to.

Picture me last night at church—diaper bag at my feet, stroller close by, sitting on the back row. Mickey Mouse is playing on my phone with the sound turned off, and I’m pull out toys, snacks, and anything else that might keep my son Lennox occupied.

I am used to being the one on stage leading worship or sharing the message. Now, I am up and down, slipping in and out of the baby cry room between songs.

And you know what? That’s okay.

I will not pretend that it is easy. I am tired in ways I did not know before. In this season of my life there late nights, early mornings, and constant demands of a baby who needs me. There are moments when I miss serving like I used to. I miss the rhythm, teamwork, and energy of ministry.

But when I look down at the little boy in my arms and breathe, I just feel gratitude. Because he lifts his chin up and gives me that toothy grin, and I know I wouldn’t trade this for the world.

I think about how long I prayed for this and the years of infertility. I think about how faithful God has been to get me here. Every cry, every diaper, every late night—it is an answer to prayer. God did not miss a moment, and I believe He will not waste this one either.

So wherever you are today—rocking a baby, caring for a loved one — just know that it matters and keep going. Because worship isn’t limited to a song or a stage. It’s found in in loving well and showing up where God has placed us.

Seasons come and go, and one day I may lead from the stage again. But right now, I am content to worship from the back row. This is what I am called to do in this season. Even the quiet sacrifices that no one else sees—heaven does.

And I’m thankful for that. Just like the psalmist said, it is so good to “meditate on (God’s) unfailing love as we worship in (His) Temple.” After all, if worship is about giving God our all, then maybe I have never been closer to the front than I am right now.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What season are you in right now, and how might God be inviting you to worship within it rather than in spite of it?
Where do you feel unnoticed or unseen, and how does remembering God’s unfailing love shift your perspective?
What ordinary, quiet acts in your life could become acts of worship if you invited God into them?

November 20, 2025/by Bri Dunn