Dave’s Monday Blast – December 9, 2024

Merry Christmas from Tennessee!

I recently read an article from InTouch Ministries entitled “For the Troubled Heart”. The premise was that the pressures and burdens of life don’t have to result in despair. Although Thanksgiving and Christmas are marvelous occasions to celebrate the blessings God has given, especially the birth of our Savior, these same occasions can also be VERY difficult for many. InTouch comments: “despair often lurks close by, following us from errand to errand and event to event, threatening to weigh down our journey to the manger of Christ’s birth.”

The sad reality is that our lives don’t always look like a picture-perfect Christmas card or Hallmark movie. Loss, loneliness, health concerns, relational conflicts, financial and other problems know no season. And sometimes they come when the rest of the world is celebrating. The stark contrast can leave us feeling even more defeated and discouraged, and frankly dreading the holiday seasons.

InTouch continues: “When we see no way out of despair or trouble of some kind, most of us want the company of someone who’s gone through a similar situation and understands our struggle. Perhaps that’s why we so readily identify with biblical characters like David or the apostle Paul, who experienced the discouragement of afflictions.”

I have been encouraged many times over the years by John 14. I encourage you to take a few moments right now to read the chapter. You would benefit from reading John 13:31 – 38 first to get a clear understanding of the context of His words. Now that you have done that, I want you to listen again to the words of our Lord and Savior in (14:1) “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me,” and (14:27) “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” Men of INTENTION know that there is hope and comfort in our faith because our God loves us dearly. We can trust Him. We can believe His promises. He really does know exactly what He is doing…all the time.

Next week I want to unpack 2 Corinthians 1:4 – 10 as a reminder from the life of the Apostle Paul that in spite of all our burdens and we can use the Word of God to discover some strategies that will keep us rejoicing in season and out, no matter what!