2020 Advent Devotions
Wednesday, December 23 - Andie Teeter
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
In these trying days, one can easily lose sight of joy, hope and happiness. When the world feels like it’s spiraling out of control and all semblance of normalcy seems to be lost, holding onto positive feelings can be difficult. Our lives are filled with things trying to steal our joy. Whether great unrest and pandemics in the world, watching someone we love struggle with an illness or just small tasks like shopping for toilet paper and disinfectant spray, we can easily lose joy and become worn down. Worry, doubt and fear can multiply our troubles. But we must remember that we have Jesus to share our sorrows, troubles, uncertainties and problems. We must focus on the One who can help us in the best way, and in His time.
God wants more for us! God wants us to live a full life of joy and thankfulness. The good news is that joy isn’t an all-or-nothing gift and we don’t have to just wait for it to return when it goes into hiding. Even when life is bleak, we can reclaim our joy in small pieces and get back to a sense of contentment. Close your eyes and think of people, places and events that lifted you up. The good news is there are always fresh opportunities to be happy. Joy is a choice and the good news is that happiness can be found just about anywhere. Take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness and be encouraged as we seek the good news of more joy in our life.
Even if our circumstances aren’t perfect this Christmas, we can’t give up our joy. It’s a precious gift and we need to remember that it was a great joy that Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, but it is a far greater gift and joy that I can say that He was born in my heart, in my faith and that He dwells in it and rules my life by His great spirit.
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for using Your power and glory not to condemn or terrify people but to give us Jesus and the good news of Christmas and the real gift of Christmas, the gift of a living life with God forever. We ask for your grace to watch over our lives, and that you would bring us through every dark season with your joy and favor. Amen.
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
In these trying days, one can easily lose sight of joy, hope and happiness. When the world feels like it’s spiraling out of control and all semblance of normalcy seems to be lost, holding onto positive feelings can be difficult. Our lives are filled with things trying to steal our joy. Whether great unrest and pandemics in the world, watching someone we love struggle with an illness or just small tasks like shopping for toilet paper and disinfectant spray, we can easily lose joy and become worn down. Worry, doubt and fear can multiply our troubles. But we must remember that we have Jesus to share our sorrows, troubles, uncertainties and problems. We must focus on the One who can help us in the best way, and in His time.
God wants more for us! God wants us to live a full life of joy and thankfulness. The good news is that joy isn’t an all-or-nothing gift and we don’t have to just wait for it to return when it goes into hiding. Even when life is bleak, we can reclaim our joy in small pieces and get back to a sense of contentment. Close your eyes and think of people, places and events that lifted you up. The good news is there are always fresh opportunities to be happy. Joy is a choice and the good news is that happiness can be found just about anywhere. Take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness and be encouraged as we seek the good news of more joy in our life.
Even if our circumstances aren’t perfect this Christmas, we can’t give up our joy. It’s a precious gift and we need to remember that it was a great joy that Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, but it is a far greater gift and joy that I can say that He was born in my heart, in my faith and that He dwells in it and rules my life by His great spirit.
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for using Your power and glory not to condemn or terrify people but to give us Jesus and the good news of Christmas and the real gift of Christmas, the gift of a living life with God forever. We ask for your grace to watch over our lives, and that you would bring us through every dark season with your joy and favor. Amen.