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Christmas greetings dear ones! Y’all have been in my prayers and I know that sometimes we go through seasons where it’s hard to find joy even in the midst of all the sparkle and festivities of Christmas. So, I want to bring hope and light to those of you who may be facing difficult times right now. Perhaps you are feeling the loss of a loved one more deeply at this time of year, or maybe a relationship is broken, health issues have overwhelmed you, or financial hardships are weighing heavily on your shoulders.  Whatever the reason for your struggle I want to tell you that you are not alone and there is hope!

storm

We all face storms and they are never easy. But God promises us that He is with us and will help us. Do you know why? Because HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH! You are His child. His precious one. His beloved.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

That is such good news! The thing is we are a forgetful people. We get distracted by the fierce waves of the storm and so we focus on them instead of remembering the One who can calm the storm. He is your bright beacon of hope, He will show you the way. Keep your eyes on Him.

Begin with these three things to renew your joy:

1.) Renew your mind daily, and sometimes several times a day in the Word of God. 

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” -Proverbs 4:20-27

There is life and health in the Word of God. It’s filled with powerful hope. Believe Him at His Word, even if on the outside things don’t look good, know that He is working things out behind the scenes. He instructs us to not let His words depart from our eyes…so read them over and over throughout the day. Underline the scripture verses that speak to you, write them on index cards, thank God for His promises and then trust Him. And everytime you have a negative thought or worry, read scripture out loud so your ears will hear it. Replace negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” Proverbs 16:20

IMG_27132.)  Praise God for the indescribable gift of His only son, given to us BECAUSE HE LOVES US SO! 

Spend time praising and thanking Him for what He’s done and for who He is. Spend time in the presence of God. He is the joy-treasure that is before you…reach out to Him and receive it. If all you can do is speak the name of JESUS, then do that! There is mighty power in the name of Jesus!

“LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.” Jeremiah 10:6

“Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling.” 1 Chronicles 16:27

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

I pray this song will lift your heart! There are two lines in this song that speak of the heart of Jesus to you…”You didn’t want heaven without us, So Jesus, You brought heaven down”. How precious is that? He loves you so much that He left the splendor of heaven to come  rescue you! What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus.

3.)  Know that  God has a brighter future for you.

This is just a season. Seasons come and go. Don’t give up. With Jesus at your side it’s going to be okay.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

Rejoice in the promises of God even if you don’t feel like it yet. Joy will come.

grandma by the fire

Light a candle, sit by the fire, take good care of yourself this Christmas. Nourish your body,mind and soul. Think on good things…God’s gift to you…God’s Word…your blessings. Put your worries in God’s hands, leave them there. I hope these words have encouraged you dear one.

Jesus is where joy is.

I’m sending you big, warm hugs.

Bless you Sugar!

Aunt Ruthie

 

 

 

 

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