Advent Devotional: Christmas Day

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow.”  John 15:11 ESV

When we think of all the things Jesus said, everything from Blessed are the _____ to abide in me to obey my commandments, nothing was designed to bring stress.  On the contrary, all were meant to give a rich God-centered life.

He told us there would be trouble in this word.  But He said to not let our hearts be troubled,.  Epic fail for me.  I have allowed all the division I see get to me.  The decisions our government are making cause me anxiety, which is rooted in the fear of losing the security I feel.

My focus has been on things out of my control, which causes anxiety. What is in my control would be my response to those things that stir my fear.  Response vs react: response takes a moment to reflect whereas react is immediate without a thought.

Tim Keller wrote a smack down for me, “Worry is not believing God will get it right and bitterness is believing God got it wrong.”

Worry is driven by fear.  What is the fear behind your worry?  I have several that if I pause to respond I would see which one is rearing its ugly head.  Loss of control?  Loss of security?  Loss of a kind is a fear, one in which I am learning I can’t prevent by worrying about it.

I can hear the words “Oh you of little faith” more times that I’d like to admit.  Let’s be honest, it is easier to worry than surrendering control.  But what if I told you you don’t have that control anyway.  Would it make it easier to pray?

Jesus tells us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow for today has enough.  This counters our worrying mindset.  So as you feel the anxiety creeping in, take a deep breath and find the words He spoke grounding of your faith.  Then pray that He may fill you with His joy and that it will overflow.