Day 12: by Juno Smalley
11 days left until Christmas! Sometimes it's hard to believe. For some people they can't wait, for others, you'll be grateful as Christmas signifies turning the corner to the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. For those who love Jesus, it's a season we can reflect on, as well as deepen, our faith.
Yet, why in this season - the season which is often referred to as the happiest season of the year - do we have so many sad people? So many people who are crabby about so much, who are so negative, who basically suck the breath of life out of you? I'm guessing many people don't look at ‘loving others’ as part of their responsibility or a part of their faith when it comes to following Jesus. Maybe some people think it's optional, or - let's face it - some people play the martyr role, and want the attention of carrying a heavy load.
Maybe some people still think all of life is on their shoulders; all of the pain, sadness, and guilt they have resulted from something they did or didn't do, and it's just a part of life. So often we think of our sadness as part of the cross we need to carry, and that the reality of living a life of Joy is no longer an option. We honestly forget/or don’t want to:
- serve others
- give
- leave our worries with God
- share our pain, our fears, and our concern with the God who can handle them all.
- be authentic and transparent with the friends God has blessed me with.
We fall short of experiencing the love that Jesus gives us because we still, in some way, may fall short of believing the full reality of why Jesus was born and why he died. He loves you.
Today, use part of your prayer time to examine your heart, and your sadness, and be intentional to once again submit them to Jesus. Give Jesus all that you have - 'with Lifted Hands.' Click here for a song that may help you regain perspective and the joy God intends for you. I am confident it will help guide you to a time of focus on Jesus and his role in your life.
Yet, why in this season - the season which is often referred to as the happiest season of the year - do we have so many sad people? So many people who are crabby about so much, who are so negative, who basically suck the breath of life out of you? I'm guessing many people don't look at ‘loving others’ as part of their responsibility or a part of their faith when it comes to following Jesus. Maybe some people think it's optional, or - let's face it - some people play the martyr role, and want the attention of carrying a heavy load.
Maybe some people still think all of life is on their shoulders; all of the pain, sadness, and guilt they have resulted from something they did or didn't do, and it's just a part of life. So often we think of our sadness as part of the cross we need to carry, and that the reality of living a life of Joy is no longer an option. We honestly forget/or don’t want to:
- serve others
- give
- leave our worries with God
- share our pain, our fears, and our concern with the God who can handle them all.
- be authentic and transparent with the friends God has blessed me with.
We fall short of experiencing the love that Jesus gives us because we still, in some way, may fall short of believing the full reality of why Jesus was born and why he died. He loves you.
Today, use part of your prayer time to examine your heart, and your sadness, and be intentional to once again submit them to Jesus. Give Jesus all that you have - 'with Lifted Hands.' Click here for a song that may help you regain perspective and the joy God intends for you. I am confident it will help guide you to a time of focus on Jesus and his role in your life.
Thursday's Prayer
Lord, with lifted hands I give to you the burdens of life that I continue to carry, knowing fully that you want to and you are capable of carrying whatever is robbing joy from my heart and life. Take my tendencies to think that I need to save the world when in reality you have done that for all of us. Thank you!
Remind me to look at everything from your kingdom perspective, and keep me focused, Lord, on the mission you have before me and before your church. Continue to help us bring your light to the dark places you call us to serve others. Remove any fear and replace it with your joy. May I experience your joy as I share the present of presence.
Lord, make me a reflection of your joy this week.
AMEN
Remind me to look at everything from your kingdom perspective, and keep me focused, Lord, on the mission you have before me and before your church. Continue to help us bring your light to the dark places you call us to serve others. Remove any fear and replace it with your joy. May I experience your joy as I share the present of presence.
Lord, make me a reflection of your joy this week.
AMEN
Posted in Advent Devotional 2022