Finding Shelter

Are you feeling the pressures of “the silly season” yet? It’s only 5 weeks until Christmas! That thought can make your heart race for many reasons. In today’s society, we worry about many things around the Christmas season. Will we have enough money for presents? Can we afford a holiday? How many guests can we host? Will the boss let me have leave, and will he/she expect impossible deadlines? What will I do with the kids over the holidays and how much will that cost? We worry about extended- family dynamics, and whether we have the capacity to cope with all of the added stress.

God said “Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10, for a reason. The Church is meant to think and act differently to stress and pressure than secular society. That same Psalm opens with these words….”God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” He doesn’t want us to fear. He protects us in times of chaos. Though the storms ravage we can find shelter under His wing.

So, if “the silly season” has got you rattled, STOP. BREATHE. Close your eyes and meditate on the God who knows you. Go on! You actually do have time; it’s a matter of priority. Picture yourself taking refuge under His strong arms. Allow Him to speak truth back into your situation. “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here amongst us; the God of Israel is our fortress,” Psalm 46:11. So this year let’s keep the main thing the main thing and not get sucked in to “losing it” when actually we should be “finding it.”

May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus

Julie xx

 

{Image: “Creative Commons: Once upon a time” by Jorge Elias  is licensed under CC BY 2.0 }