For the remainder of this year, I will write a series about God’s will. I don’t claim to have any foreknowledge about 2023, and as we look forward to Christmas, I realize a post about the new year might seem out of place.
But God
In the book of Psalms, three lines are pressing into my heart with peace-filled wisdom. I will share the first of the three with you — shortly.
The stress of the holidays is upon us. If I were to make a list of the possible stressors, it would just stir them up more.
I was curious to know how the pressure of Christmas is unique, so I popped onto Google and asked. This research revealed that heart attacks are at their highest! And not just in December, but on Christmas Eve! (I am not in the medical field or attempting to give medical advice. Please call your doctor, or better yet, 911 if you don’t feel well.)
Christ’s birth brought stress.
We know the story of Christmas so well that it is easy to overlook the pressure this young family was under. Upon his birth, Jesus did not need to worry. He was, of course, a baby. But Mary and Joseph did. (Matthew 2:13) King Herod wanted to have the newborn King killed.
God told Joseph in a dream to take his family and flee to Egypt. This was an order to hurry, make haste, a quick exit. And so they did.
Do you feel pressure NOT to feel pressure at this time of year?
You aren’t running from a king, but you also cannot deny the added responsibilities and expectations Christmas brings.
God’s Will
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.” (Psalm 143:8 NLT)
I am sure Mary and Joseph listened to and trusted in God as they fled with baby Jesus. In a quiet morning moment, we can also turn our attention to God’s love and trustful ways before we rush into the day.
This won’t erase what we need to do, but it can help sort through it all. God wants to guide us always — whoops, I don’t want to give away the final installment of this series.
Acknowledge His love for you and trust Him.
The perfect guide.
God’s word is the perfect guide for every situation. Join me next week as I draw us toward the second of three verses in Psalms, bringing me insight for 2023.
Announcement
Thank you to all who ordered the anthology, Inspire Courage. I hope you are enjoying it!
I should be getting my copies shortly. 🙂
Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,
Michele Marie Weisman
Photo by Paul Green on Unsplash (light)
Photo by Kiley Lawson on Unsplash (hearts)
Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash (flee)
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Oh Michelle this is beautiful. I loved reading this. Your talent is amazing. So happy to call you friend. Don’t forget I knew you when…..love you girl.
Kathy, you are too kind. I am praising God that this post touched you. I will never forget our time at the woman’s conference. I can’t remember the name of it, but I treasure our conversations. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Michele. We all need encouragement to help us find peace in our hearts, especially during times of higher stress. So thankful for the family of God as we surround each other in helpful support.
I too am very grateful for our family of God. Such a good point. Thanks so much for stopping by, Anthony. 😊
Thanks for the reminder that Christmas is the birth of hope for new life.
And thank you for stopping by, Dianne. I am grateful this reminder blessed you.
I certainly do feel more holiday stress this year. And some of it is, in fact due to the pressure not to feel pressure. That’s hilarious when you stop to think about it and how it doesn’t work. But the idea of trusting dad with it all for next year is so much better.
I also thought that was hilarious, and so true.
I agree Suzette, it is funny to realize, trying not to stress is an added stress itself. Thank you so much for stopping by. 😊