Don’t get too comfortable!

Thoughts on settling into 2026…or not

Welcome! I pray you have had a blessed beginning to the new year! Today, let’s linger on a couple of verses from the book of beginnings–Genesis–as we settle into 2026…

Rhythms resume

It’s quieter now.

The celebratory clamor of the past two weeks–clanging pots, favorite Christmas movies, engaged chatter, and bursts of laughter–has faded into the more subdued rhythms of ordinary days.

We waved goodbye to our final guest a couple of days ago–a young 30-something professor who stays with us on the lengthy trek between her parents and her job. She is my daughter’s high school friend and a true blessing. The night before she left was a gift as barbecue chicken pizza, old Disney movies, and deep conversations (interrupted by recitations of favorite movie lines and followed by laughter, of course) filled the upstairs.

Halted by a word

While the merriment flowed above, my husband and I sat downstairs enjoying the opportunity to read–he, a book on his phone, and I, a couple of chapters in Genesis.

As I read the familiar verses, one word stood out, its implication hanging in my mind.

Settled. 

Lately, people have asked if we are “settled” in our new house. Well, the cars fit in the garage and that’s my husband’s official benchmark. (Ha!) So, yes, we are settling in. Becoming comfortable in our new space and savoring that comfort with deep gratitude.

Still, I know that comfort can also keep us from taking risks…can quietly convince us to settle for what is good rather than trusting God for what is best.

Terah’s crossroads 

Is that what Terah did? Did he settle because it was comfortable?

Genesis 11:31 gives Terah’s plan to take his family from Ur to Canaan–a difficult journey. The direct route, west across Arabia (see below), was impossible due to the scarcity of food and water, as well as the scorching desert heat. So instead, the small band of travelers began the journey by traveling 600 miles from Ur (in modern day Iraq) to Haran (in modern day Turkey) along the Euphrates River. 

Six hundred miles. On foot or by camel. And only a little over halfway to Canaan. Probably not a fun trip.

Moreover, Haran was an established city with permanent homes, thriving trade, and alluring comforts. After months of travel and living in tents–and months of the same ahead–is it any wonder Terah and his family settled there? 

Maybe settling wasn’t the original intent. Maybe Haran was supposed to be a pause. But do you know what Haran means?

Crossroads.²

The place where critical decisions are made.

And Terah decided to settle. He never saw Canaan.

My own crossroads

Almost fifteen years ago, my husband and I made a crossroads decision. We had moved with our daughter, Rachel, to a new area of the state just a year and a half before. We worked in a desirable school district, were involved in a nearby church we loved, and lived in a neighborhood nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Our daughter had had a little trouble adjusting at first, but the second year was better. We thought life was good.

Then, we felt God leading us to a different church. One that was quite a distance from our home. We didn’t understand, but we made the difficult decision to switch. 

Our daughter met a friend there who went to a private Christian school across town. Rachel asked if there was any way she could attend that school her senior year.

God opened a job for me at the private school while also providing a way for my husband to remain in his administrative role at the previous school. We sold our house during the recession of 2011 and rented a two bedroom condo nearer the new school.

None of this made sense. We were settled, comfortable, and–again–life was good.

But God wanted to provide His best.

And He did! I have never felt more fulfilled than when teaching at that school–which is saying something because I have always loved teaching and students. In addition, our daughter flourished that year, participating in activities she never would have joined at previous schools, strengthening her walk with Christ, and developing lifelong friendships.

One of those friends was upstairs eating pizza and watching Disney movies a couple of nights ago. The friend from the church that God led us to. 

I’m so grateful we didn’t settle.

A prayer for God’s best in 2026

All of us will face “crossroads” decisions this year. As I write this, I pray that you will not settle for what seems good. Instead, may you seek God diligently, trust Him fully, step out of your comfort zone boldly, and willingly take the risks He lays before you. In other words, may you know His best!

Have you had a crossroads moment you would like to share? Please sign in and share your experience in the comments below! Or maybe you’re facing that moment now and would like to ask for prayer. You don’t have to share the decision, just leave the words “prayer, please.”

Until next time, don’t get too comfortable!

©2026 Catherine L Hill. All rights reserved.

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¹“The World of the Patriarchs,” used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cropped from original; markings added or deleted for clarity

²Charan, Strong’s 2771 retrieved on January 5, 2026 from https://openbible.com/strongs/hebrew/2771.htm