Journaling Scripture . . . December Scripture Writing Plan
HAPPY December!
This year, we are studying the promises given by God as we journey through the Bible. If you began working with me in January, you have journaled over 330 of God’s promises. This month, we’ll discover 31 more of God’s promises.
This month, one of the verses we are examining is Psalm 29:11. Let’s examine this promise from God together.
The Psalm of David in chapter 29 depicts a storm’s strength in poetic beauty and interprets it as the voice and might of God. In doing so, it employs the phrase “the voice of the LORD” seven times and “the name of the LORD” eighteen times. This psalm is purely praise. Because the psalm itself is accomplishing all that it is concerned with, it does not ask us to take any action. It’s simply an act of worship.
The LORD will give strength to His people: as David considered God’s incredible power and authority, he realized that He gave the same strength to His people.
The LORD will bless His people with peace: When it comes to creation and those who rebel against God, God’s strength could resemble a destructive storm. However, God’s people can have confidence that He will bring peace and will give them strength amidst the storms of life.
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The word “peace” is frequently used around Christmas. It appears on greeting cards, decorations, and occasionally even brightly lit objects.
It’s a term that tends to arouse in every one of us a sense of longing, yet it also feels elusive, particularly around Christmas. In reality, there are a ton of things to do, like cook, shop for presents, decorate the house, visit with family, and attend holiday events. In the middle of the chaos, how in the world are we supposed to find peace?
Think about this: The first Christmas was also marked by extremely trying circumstances. There was a pregnant, engaged young lady. There was a worried yet devoted fiance. The inn was completely full. There were scratchy straw and smelly animals in a stable. In the sky, there was an unidentifiable star.
In the Christmas story, however, God bestowed the gift of prevailing peace, just as He longs to bestow peace in our hearts. How could Mary and Joseph accept peace in their circumstances while everything around them was chaos? They put today’s important verse into practice. What kept them steady was their faith in God.
Notice how they responded when they were first informed that they would be the parents of the coming Messiah:
Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him
from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever” (Luke 1:47-55).
Joseph put aside his pride, hurt, and betrayal. Rather, he chose not to bring on shame and kept the matter private. He followed the angel’s instructions and took Mary to be his wife (Matthew 1:19-21).
Perfect peace is attainable regardless of the circumstances. It is the product of a steady, faith-filled heart. As we begin the Christmas season, let us purposefully strengthen our steadfastness by putting our faith in God, who is trustworthy. The peace that follows will highlight our celebration of the Savior!
As we go about the season, let’s remember to focus our hearts on Christ. He is trustworthy, faithful, and the Giver of Peace. As we focus on Him, may others see His peace and recognize Christ as the Messiah, Saviour of the Word!
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My hope is that as you write down God’s promises this month, you will sense His presence all around you—within you, beside you, all around. I pray that you will always be aware of His presence.
♥Melissa Smith♥
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