The past two weeks have been filled with heavy news both globally and closer to home. I have numerous friends and family members who are struggling with life and death situations. My heart feels the heaviness of the grief and struggle.
One friend said the other day “Christmas is not supposed to be like this.” I get it. It feels like Christmas should be full of the comfort of home filled with all the people we love. And yet, I know many who are facing a first Christmas without someone, or a last Christmas with someone they hold dear.
My friend is right, it’s not supposed to be like this. As the words of Joy to The World describe we live in a world where sin and sorrow grow and thorns infest the ground. While we celebrate the coming of Jesus, we live in fallenness of the world He came to save. The good news is found in another phrase of that song
For whatever place we find ourselves in this fallen world, God’s blessing flows as far as the curse is found. For all my friends and family who are struggling, His blessing flows to every part of their lives too.This is my hope for this Christmas for every place of sin and sorrow, may our hearts be able to see the blessings of God flowing. In the midst of the hard places His blessing is flowing bringing the fullness of Himself to meet you in the midst of your every need.
Last week’s devotional looked at the richness of Isaiah 9:6-7. As God proclaims who the Messiah will be. The names used to describe Him cover every type of situation.
Are you in situations that feels too big for you?
He is Wonderful, able to do more than you can imagine.
Are you unsure of what to do?
He is your counselor.
Do you need someone to fight for you?
He is Mighty.
Do you need a miracle?
He is God.
Is the future uncertain or the past overwhelming?
He is Everlasting.
Are there wounded places in your that need healing?
He is your loving Father.
Are your scared or uncertain?
He is your Prince of Peace.
And here is the best part Isaiah 9 promises He is those things to us in abundance that never runs out. If our struggles increase so does His abundance.
His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
Praying for you to receive the blessing of Him. His joy. His peace. His strength. His love. When you feel you are in need and lack, His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
