Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration, of joy and peace and comfort. Unfortunately, the world we live in and the enemy we face try to destroy that. They take away our joy and replace it with stark panic. We forget that a Savior was born, that He lived and died so we could enjoy the promises of God. We forget to live in the abundant blessing of a loving Creator, and we forget to share the blessing with a hurting and dying world.
My husband came home from work last week with a situation that put me in stark panic. I forgot the blessings, the promises, the assurance of God. Today does not look especially abundant for my family. With a heavy heart and an uncertain future, I turn to the Bible for direction. And I find today’s confession:
Whatever happens, I will rejoice in the Lord.
It reminds me that the battle we fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness, and that the battlefield is in the mind. Paul tells the Philippian church in chapter 3, “Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.” I don’t know what those believers faced specifically, but death and mayhem usually played a large role. I am not facing death (though mayhem always worms its way in), so if they could rejoice, I can too. I will rejoice in Jesus for the blessings He gives me.
For today, my children have a warm home and a little bit of food.
For today, my husband can get to work.
For today, I can stay with my littles, hold them tight and take care of them.
And always, I belong to Jesus. I can share my faith with my family and with my readers. I can pray, knowing God hears me and loves me and desires to bless me. Indeed, I will rejoice in the Lord.
What challenges are you facing today? Can you rejoice in the Lord in spite of them?
Shelley Ring 