A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, December 28, 2025
Hey friends! As we approach the new year, I keep coming back to the word sanctuary. It is my word for the year and what I will be focusing on the next few weeks on the radio message on Sunday mornings at 9 am and posts for encouragement.
Friends, is God our sanctuary?
Before He is a place we go, He is a Presence we run to. When life feels loud, heavy, or uncertain, He is our refuge, our safe place, our rest. Scripture reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He is not distant in our chaos—He is near. He is within us!
But God doesn’t just invite us into His sanctuary…
He also calls us to create sanctuary in our lives, in our homes!
A sanctuary is a space where the noise quiets and our hearts refocus on Him. Where we shift our thoughts to the things of heaven and not the things of this earth. It may be a quiet moment in the morning, worshipping in the car, reading the word throughout our day, or choosing prayer instead of panic. Sanctuary is created when we slow down long enough to be still and remember who God is. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It is created when we focus on His promises instead of the world’s lies.
Friends, creating sanctuary also means guarding our hearts and our peace. The Bible tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). What we allow into our minds, our homes, and our lives matters. Peace doesn’t just happen—we protect it. We must cultivate it through prayer and shifting our focus to the things of heaven. The word says to be anxious about nothing and to pray about everything and THEN we will experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
And here’s the beautiful part friends…
When we live from a place of sanctuary in God, we become a sanctuary for others. Our words bring peace instead of pressure. Our presence brings calm instead of chaos. Our lives reflect the refuge we’ve found in Him. How beautiful is that? When was the last time you were a sanctuary for others? Is your life a reflection of His peace and presence or a reflection of a frenzied, busy, chaotic life?
Friend, God is our dwelling place. Let’s choose to dwell in Him daily—and let’s build lives that make room for His peace to stay. Let’s build lives that look and feel different than the ways of the world! You are so loved friends, live loved!!
About the author
Tracy Kelley is a follower of Jesus, mother, grandmother, author and speaker, living in Sulphur Springs, TX. She is the author of the book Living Loved, Learning to Live in the Fullness of Gods Love, where she shares encouragement from her daily journey and how God has shown His love to her through various trials. You can buy her book, find events, book her for your event, and follow her by going to her Facebook page, where you will always be greeted as friend! You can purchase her book at Good News Book Store in Sulphur Springs, TX; online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most other major retailers.
