I decorated for Christmas early this year. If ever there was a year to do so, 2020 wins. It’s been the year that has not only threatened to rob our hearts of unspeakable joy, but also of peace, contentment, patience, and so much more.
With a rise in Covid-19 cases and lockdowns across the nation, it’s tempting to fret and worry over the threat of us being stripped of holiday gatherings and a million other things.
With a rise in Covid-19 cases and lockdowns across the nation, it’s tempting to fret and worry over the threat of us being stripped of holiday gatherings and a million other things.
I’ve been needing relief for my own anxious heart. Fear, worry, and hopelessness have worked their way into my thought life. Frustrations at work, false perceptions, and downright lies have been a few of the fiery darts tossed my way, and joy has felt so far from my reach. One morning last week I was feeling especially vulnerable and in my quiet time reached for Hope. I don’t know why it always takes me by surprise, but Hope did not fail to show up. Quietly I was reminded of so many times in my past when broken things were fixed, storms ceased, and miracles occurred. He has always been faithful. Oh...SO faithful. And he reminded my forgetful and aging brain that He.Still.Is.Fatihful!! He will ALWAYS be faithful. He will never not be faithful.
Having a new perspective always allows me to see my current reality from a completely different angle. I am able to find the things in my life that truly give me joy and it for sure diminishes the size of my giants. Filling my home with my favorite holiday scents, sitting in my comfy chair with a hot cup of coffee, listening to my favorite Christmas songs, or journeying with the people that have been so meticulously placed in my life feel really big as gratitude for those things swell.
I know it’s not these things that bring joy. I’ve learned over and over that things and people come and go and the longing for them isn’t really a longing for them. I’ve discovered on more than one occasion that I only find the joy in those things when my time with Jesus increases in authenticity. My longing is for Him. He is what my heart wants. He is what I need. He the only thing in which I find unspeakable joy. He IS my joy. He IS my peace. He IS my hope. When I seek Him, I am able to enjoy the abundance of blessings with which I’ve been entrusted and the lies lose their foothold.
I know it’s not these things that bring joy. I’ve learned over and over that things and people come and go and the longing for them isn’t really a longing for them. I’ve discovered on more than one occasion that I only find the joy in those things when my time with Jesus increases in authenticity. My longing is for Him. He is what my heart wants. He is what I need. He the only thing in which I find unspeakable joy. He IS my joy. He IS my peace. He IS my hope. When I seek Him, I am able to enjoy the abundance of blessings with which I’ve been entrusted and the lies lose their foothold.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
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