Instant Fixes

I am an instant coffee kind of girl. No, it is not as flavorful as a French pressed brew or even a good quality, slow drip cup of coffee. There are not a lot of people that would choose a cup of instant over the good stuff. But, I like my coffee hot and I want it now, so this is what I opt for each morning. I heat a cup of water, add in a couple of tablespoons with half and half and a splash of caramel, and I am happy and satisfied. My husband's coffee is too strong and too bitter. He makes a huge pot each morning that he drinks from all day. I am not a fan of using the Keurig machine, and the pods are expensive. Instant is a taste I have acquired, and I actually look forward to each morning. My Grandmother drank instant coffee. She lived alone for so many years, and she would say it was the best method for a party of one. I think of her a lot of mornings while I am making my quick cup of brew.

With 2026 stretched out ahead of me, I want to instantly know what is going to happen. There are questions I need answers to soon. I have some prayers I would love to be answered immediately. There are what-ifs that are lingering in my thoughts that I would love to snap out of my thinking. We are an instant society. Questions can be answered in a matter of seconds by our phones, so why can't these prayers and problems be the same way.

God can be an instant God. He spoke and the world was formed. He saved Noah from the flood, saved His people by parting the red sea, saved Daniel from the lions den and Jonah from the whale. These things were pretty instant. He planned and orchestrated every aspect of our lives. He made a lot of promises, and He will keep them all. But instant answers were never a promise. They waited over 400 years with no Word from God before Jesus was sent. We may wait for years, we may get an answer before the day is over, or the answer may be a resounding no. In our small world, His big plan has to prevail. We must trust that each trouble or trial and the silence has a purpose beyond our comprehension that will ultimately be for God's glory.

I desperately wait and wait for now. I trust but occasionally still cry as I wait. I want instant answers, but know I can't always have those answers instantly. As I wait, I'll try to be patient. As I ponder, I will try to learn. As I keep moving ahead with trust, I will grow my faith.

I chose two verses for the year. Two themes I want to focus on throughout 2026.

The first is Psalms 18:28 "For thou wilt light my candle: The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." It feels dark in the unknown. I feel alone in the waiting. But, God is there and He will "enlighten my darkness". I will look for Hi

s light in the everyday, and I pray I can share His light in the menial moments of my life.

The second is 1 Cor 14:1a "Pursue Love". JOY is an acronym for Jesus, Others, and Yourself. I want to pursue a deeper love for Jesus, Others and Myself. I want to Show this Joy He has given me and Love others in a way that points them to Him. I also want to love myself as that has been hard in these times of waiting.

I will not know instantly how God will choose to use me this upcoming year, but I pray I am instantly ready when the opportunity presents itself to Show more Joy in 2026.