Talking to God Every Day

Madison Watkins on Surrender

Christian artist Madison Watkins talks about Jesus with the kind of honesty that makes surrender feel personal and possible. In our conversation, she described a daily rhythm of staying connected to God—bringing Him her thoughts, feelings, and questions in real time.

Madison said, “I talk to him all the time. Any moment.”

She describes the conversation. “He knows everything because He’s God, but I also tell Him everything that I feel. And I tell him how everything affects me. I think it’s just keeping that communication [open].”

That’s such a clear picture of surrender. You bring Jesus your real thoughts, your real feelings, and your real questions. And that’s where relationship grows.

Madison also gives words to the moment many people hesitate to come to God. “We think sometimes, No, I’m too far gone. or I’m not good enough. Whatever. That’s when He’s the closest to us.”

She adds, “He wants us to come to Him in our deepest, darkest, ugliest moments.”

It’s Deeply Personal

Salvation becomes personal when you come to Jesus as you are. And surrender keeps unfolding as you keep coming back to Him with your whole heart.

She makes the reason the connection matters beautifully practical. “I think for me, just to keep that hope, I have to stay connected to Him just like a friend. …You’re going to get distant from your friend if you’re not hanging out with them and talking to them. And that’s how I feel, too.”

She also shows us what that looks like in everyday life. “I just have to have communication with Him every single day. I’m not perfect. I don’t get up every single morning and read five chapters of the Bible, but I’m talking to Him on my way to work. When I’m doing my makeup. I mean, [like I] hang out with friends.”

And in those moments, her prayer is simple and honest: “What do I do about this? This is the way I feel about myself. Will you help me with this?”

A Better Future—with Him

That kind of prayer opens everyday moments to God’s presence. The Holy Spirit meets you there—on the drive, in the questions, in the places where you’re sorting through what you feel.

Madison ends with a strong anchor for your heart. “It’s just constantly just talking to Him. And that’s how I keep His presence and hope. Because the Bible says He is the God of hope, and the enemy wants the opposite. He wants us to be discouraged, depressed, [and in] despair.”

Romans 15:13 says, “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (GW).

So today, bring Jesus your whole heart. Start with one honest conversation. Tell Him what you feel. Ask Him for help. He loves to meet you there.

GO DEEPER
Jesus still meets people right where they are. If you’re ready to explore who Jesus is in a more personal way, walk with us through our 5-day YouVersion plan “The Hope We Carry.” You’ll experience the names of Jesus and what they mean for your life today. You’ll find short reflections, simple action steps, and prayers to help you grow one day at a time.
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