This morning as I realize our refrigerator is full past capacity and bursting at the seams with leftovers, I am trying to remember what my parents did with the leftover Christmas food. We will keep those delectable dishes for a couple of days – maybe even have a plate or two of the remains. But beyond that I have learned to discard it before it ruins altogether. So not only will our beloved live now crunchy Christmas tree go, so will the holiday food.
Oh beloved, we may all want to discard the leftovers of our holiday meals, but there are things about Christmas we never want to discard. I just keep hearing the word HOPE every single day. This HOPE we have is a secure anchor and it keeps us steady in spite of the waves that hit our lives. In spite of the crunchy Christmas after effects, we can keep on securely anchored to our Rock – Jesus.
I hope you know this morning that God sees you and understands you. It’s not fair – for some of you the real scene behind the Christmas festivities is that you are full past capacity of hanging in there. Your disappointment is bursting at the seams with leftover hopelessness. I get it. My hope and joy aren’t steadfast because all is well in my world. It’s because in spite of it all – there is One Who is keeping track of all the mess. He says your life is not ruined altogether. He says to you this morning I will never discard you. What you are going through, on this day after Christmas, isn’t a reason for Me to quit and leave you in the mess. I AM that I AM. I am making all things new for you even right now. I know the struggle and I see the pain – but your disappointment is a heavenly appointment to look beyond it all. Keeping your eyes on Me, the Author and Finisher of your faith – will give you HOPE and JOY and PEACE. The cleanup may look messy, but I AM doing a work in you that will outshine all you’re going through!
God loves you and He’s for you. That’s why Christmas means HOPE. Even if the gift didn’t fit or you missed getting your HOPE received altogether, Jesus has made the way for you to discard what isn’t working and embrace the new! Run to Him and give Him the praise for your life is a beautiful opportunity to live in the Light and walk in His favor this very day and beyond!
Hebrews 6:19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Psalm 33:20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.