Treasures In The Snow – Linda Sexton
“All Wrapped Up and Tied in a Bow” by Anne Marie Sanftner
Finding JOY in the Storm
My HOPE in the Storm
Lamentations 3:22-25
It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
What encouraging verses from God’s Word! These became my life verses after I was struck by lightning five years ago. It’s a comfort to know that I can have hope in the Lord even when my world seems dark and topsy-turvy.
We can trust His promises because of His great faithfulness.
When you feel lonely and afraid, you can find peace and comfort through scripture, as well as hope to face each day.
Cling to God’s Promises
Hebrews 13:5 tells us that God “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When we feel discouraged or overwhelmed by burdens, we can know that God is right there with us. He wants to help; all we have to do is ask.
We can also read in Jeremiah 29:11 that God “know(s) the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” We must understand and believe that God keeps His promises. This can give us the courage and strength for each day. God can deliver us from the feeling of hopelessness.
Don’t Quit!
Romans 5:3-5 tells us “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
However difficult a pill it is to swallow, God sometimes allows tribulations to grow our faith or even to chip off some of the rough edges that do not belong in our lives. As long as we look to the Lord for our guidance and strength, He can use the hard times of hopelessness to make us a better person and to give us hope for the future.
Yes, the battle can get burdensome, and you can grow weary in the journey, but don’t despair because God has promised that we shall reap blessings if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Hope for the best outcome
Romans 8:28 tells us that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I know this verse is quoted a lot and perhaps even misused, but God does have our best interests at heart.
The knowledge that God will resolve things for your good gives such amazing hope.
Though sometimes it can be challenging to see, don’t lose hope. Joshua 1:8 encourages us to “be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” God loves you very much and desires to see you succeed. When we determine to follow God’s Word, He will help us through the trials and restore joy in our lives.
“Hope is being able to see the light despite the darkness around you.” Desmond Tutu
You can download and print the Scripture Calendar here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SJ-Hope-in-the-Storm.pdf
Valley of the Shadow of Death
God Delights by Vickie Mutchler
The Love of God – Danielle Palmer
JOY by Katy Moffitt
“Living Loved” by Kaylin Parrock
Christmas Joy by Tiffany Moore
Happy Monday! 2 MORE DAYS of November!!! Time is flying by! This week’s devo is “Christmas Joy” written by Tiffany Moore! Please take the time to read as she shares her heart with us today! I hope you have the BEST week ever!!!!
Christmas Joy – Tiffany Moore
Do you ever watch those cheesy Christmas movies? I love them! At some point, every movie seems to have a family decorating a beautiful Christmas tree with twinkling lights. Then, you see that loving family singing Christmas carols and drinking hot chocolate with a fire blazing behind them. Have you ever contrasted that with how decorating your house for Christmas really goes? First, you clean your house because it is nearly impossible once all the Christmas knick knacks get put up. Then, you have to go to the storage shed or attic hoping to be able to locate red and green boxes and totes. Then, you drag them to your living room. If you have an artificial tree (even a brand new one that you got on clearance the prior year), you might let it air out on the porch so no mama rodents and her offspring come inside with it (yucky true story.) Then, you will probably scratch your arms all up while assembling and fluffing the tree because you don’t have on long sleeves. You might even have to pause during all of this multiple times and remind your children that some ornaments will shatter if you drop them. You might answer what feels like a million questions from your children about the decorations through which they are pilfering. Can you say tiring?! Where are the Christmas carols? Where is the sweet family drinking hot cocoa and the blazing fire? At my house, it does not look like a Hallmark movie! Oftentimes, reality DOES NOT equal Hallmark fantasy. You might get discouraged that your life does not resemble that perfect “Christmas Moment.”
There are several things that can steal your joy: comparison, anxiety, discontentedness, grief, pain and busyness. It is so easy to get caught up in what is going on in your life that you realize you are just “going through the motions.” The Christmas season becomes another item on your “to-do” list. It’s not fun or even special. It’s definitely not sweet like a movie! Comparing your life to those around you (or even a movie), being discontented, feeling anxious about events, physically, hurting, losing a loved one and just being so busy can overwhelm and overshadow the enjoyment of your holiday season. Sometimes, we have to purposefully focus on having JOY during the holidays. He wants you to have joy. In fact, the Bible says in 1 John 1:4 that our “joy may be full.” Living miserably or without joy during any time of the year is not what we are supposed to do. To ensure you don’t lose your joy this Christmas, you need to remember what JOY means.
J- Jesus
Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby to save us from our sins. It’s not about having perfectly decorated tree or having all your presents wrapped in the same trendy paper. It’s not about the parties or caroling. It’s about remembering and recognizing Jesus. He came to earth so we can go to Heaven. He’s the reason for the entire season.
O- Others
Christmas is about sharing Jesus with others. Yes, we do that some by all the activities we do during this time of year. However, if we will keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the goal of sharing His love with others, we will have more JOY. So, as you’re making cookies, wrapping presents, or even decorating your Sunday School classroom, don’t forget to share Jesus with those around you.
Y- You
Christmas is not about you. 😊 However, it is a wonderful time of year to refocus your spiritual life. It is a good time to put more energy in your relationship with Jesus. Renew your relationship with God by maybe reading your Bible more instead of binge-watching holiday movies (gasp!) Truly reflect on the goodness of God in your family’s life this past year. Thank Him by reorganizing your priorities each day to start the day with Him in prayer.Having JOY in this Christmas season is your choice. Lower your expectations of “Hallmark movie perfection” and just focus on Jesus, the Reason for the season. There is a little chorus that might help you when you start to lose JOY this Christmas. It is sung to the tune of Jingle Bells.
J-O-Y, J-O-Y
Having JOY means
Put Jesus first,
Yourself last and
Others in between!
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/christmas-joy-tiffany-moore
