Here in the month of July, one of the worst things that could possibly happen to me (tongue in cheek, of course) is getting bombarded with an overloaded lineup of Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. I know, I know—some of you live for it. But me? I live for the warm weather, the long nights, and anything to do with water—beach or pool. So when my TV and social feed suddenly shift into full-on holiday mode with snowflakes and jingle bells, you might catch me turning a slightly grinchy shade of green.
July isn’t traditionally known for “new beginnings.” We tend to save that phrase for January, with its blank calendars and resolutions—or maybe for August or September when a new school year kicks off. But July? It’s month seven out of twelve. Kind of random.
And yet, I’ve found over the years that July often becomes a turning point. The school year has finally faded into the background. Summer routines (or lack of routines) have settled in. The chaos of fall hasn’t hit yet—unless you count the back-to-school aisles that start haunting us before the fireworks even cool off.
So what if this is actually the perfect moment for a new beginning?
A perfect time… for a pivot.
One of the things my sister and I used to do during those long July days was play basketball. It wasn’t our main thing (we were more of a cul-de-sac baseball crew), but when we couldn’t round up enough kids for a game, we’d shoot hoops—playing “pig,” practicing free throws, or just killing time in the sun.
In basketball, there’s a move called the pivot. It’s not flashy, and it’s not something you usually do just to show off. But it’s essential. When a player finds herself stuck—defense all around, nowhere to pass or move—she plants one foot, and pivots. A small shift that opens a new direction.
Life works like that too.
When you feel hemmed in by weariness, pressure, or confusion… when it seems like you’ve been circling the same issue with no breakthrough… sometimes what’s needed isn’t a giant leap, but a faithful pivot.
God invites us to take even the smallest step of obedience. That step might be quiet—something as simple as saying no to an obligation that’s draining your soul, or yes to something that requires trust. It might be forgiving someone, or choosing to show up for a daily time with Him again.
The pivot doesn’t have to be dramatic to be holy. It just has to be real.
So how do you pivot when you feel stuck?
Here are 3 simple but powerful steps:
- Pause and Pray – Before any movement, anchor yourself in God’s presence. Ask, “Lord, what are You saying here? What’s next?”
- Obey the Last Nudge – Often God already whispered something: a boundary to set, a step to take, a habit to return to. Go back and honor that.
- Take One Faithful Step – You don’t need to know the whole path. Just take the next right step, no matter how small.
And for those of us who feel like we’ve been holding on by a thread lately, let this encourage you: in Psalm 107, God doesn’t just speak to the ones who made bad decisions. He sees the people who are caught in storms through no fault of their own—people clinging to life, feeling tossed and terrified. And what does He do?
If that’s you—barely hanging on—I want to remind you: He sees you. He’s still guiding. The waves won’t last forever.
“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” —Hosea 10:12
Reflect + Respond
If July is a chance to begin again, where might you start? Here are a few gentle prompts for your time with the Lord this week:
- What has felt “stuck” or stale in my life lately?
- Have I sensed God nudging me to pivot—big or small?
- Is there something I used to do with God (prayer, journaling, rest, forgiveness) that I’ve let go of?
- What might a small act of obedience look like right now?
Write it down. Whisper it in prayer. Let it be the beginning of something new.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” —Isaiah 43:18–19
A Prayer for July
Lord,
In the quiet middle of the year, help us pause. Help us listen. If we’ve gotten off course or stuck in place, show us where to pivot. Not with striving or shame—but with trust. Help us recognize the step You’re inviting us to take, however small it may seem. Calm the waves inside us. Guide us to the safe harbor of Your presence. We want to walk with You into whatever new beginning this summer holds.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Also, many of my readers don’t know—but I host Encouragement Live talks year-round- my summer version is called “Porch Talks.” We meet the first Thursday of the month. The next one is Thursday, August 7th at 7 PM MT on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski . I’d love for you to join us!
Until next time,
PS. If this encouraged you, I’d love to hear what “pivot” God is inviting you into. Leave a comment or share this with a friend who needs a fresh start too.
Melanie Talevski 