Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a gift card to someone who posts on my blog. In honor of our Savior's birth - and of your sweet friendship, this month I'm giving away a $25.00 gift card to Starbucks!
So leave a post, share a story, and maybe you'll win a nice treat for you and your friends!
Now on to my topic...
How is your holiday season going thus far? Are you running the rat race? Are you overwhelmed by your 'to-do' list? Or maybe you're so burdened by real life issues that you're having a difficult time entering into the festivities this year.
My prayer is that you'll find encouragement and comfort as you read today's post.
Here's what the Word says:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil; for Your rod and staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)
You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again (Psalm 71:21).
In this world we have trials and tribulations, it's true. But the Christ-child who came to earth, who lived to die, who defeated death, well, He blessed us with the Holy Spirit - our Divine Comforter, to lead us, guide us, minister to us, and strengthen us.
We struggle, but we're not without comfort. We strain, but it doesn't mean we don't have access to peace. The Prince of Peace has an open door policy. We can approach Him anytime, anywhere. What a glorious gift He's given us, simply by allowing continual and constant access to Him.
Furthermore, when we press through our pain to find peace and perspective; when we hang on to faith and find comfort in the Holy One, we then become comforters ourselves. That rigorous process of pushing past an earthly perspective to a Heavenly one, strengthens and refines us; it prepares us for service.
Our trials are measured and though the Lord doesn't send us trials, He certainly uses them. He wastes nothing. Our divine training is very intentional on God's part.
When Jesus stepped away from His Heavenly throne, and wrapped Himself in skin and tendon and bone, and then handed Himself over to a world that would torture and execute Him - He came to earth, right in the midst of the struggles of mankind. That's why He came. We needed Him. The people in His day needed Him.
Bypassing comfort (to say the least), He died, to save us, that we might be comforted.
And then there's joy!
Here's what the Word says:
In Your presence, the fullness of joy is found (Psalm 16:11).
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life (Psalm 19:8).
The joy of the Lord is my strength and yours!
To possess joy is to know a sense of triumph - that ultimate victory is YOURS. It's to embrace gladness of heart because of a right perspective. It's to refuse to allow your emotions to dictate your day, your direction, or your current state of mind. It's to KNOW and RELY on the Love God has for you.
Joy has its deep roots in the soil of God's love and faithfulness. To the extent that we're convinced of these, will we know joy.
Jesus came - as you know - to bridge the gap, to save our souls, to comfort our spirits, and to make us whole.
STOP...right now, and ponder afresh what the Almighty has done for you. Ponder what He offers you today. Don't give His gifts a passing glance. Pause. Ponder. Prepare room in your heart for Him. Prepare room in your day for Him. Make room in your home for Him.
You'll be richer for it.
Comfort and joy - what precious, priceless gifts. Ours for taking.
Blessings to you all~