Omar Parada, Calendar, Nov. 20, 2011, via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution
Advent Devotionals

Advent Devotional

Day 2

Erik Segalini

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

The Christmas season is supposed to be about rest, tidings of comfort and joy, as the carol puts it; but too often it ends up a season of stress.

My wife, Jennifer, can usually tell when I am getting overwhelmed. She’ll come up behind me, give me a hug, maybe ruffle my hair a little or scratch my back in the perfect spot, and then gently suggest that I spend some time alone with God.

I remind her of all that I need to do and why taking time out would be a terrible thing to do at such an urgent and hectic time. Hearing myself say something so dumb is sometimes all it takes to regain perspective.

If that doesn’t do it, things soon get bad enough to force me back to God in prayer. Thank goodness God’s never been too busy for me.

In Matthew 6:31-34, Jesus said, “Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Tell Him everything, and God will guard your heart and mind with His peace (Philippians 4:6,7). Handle it alone, and you’re guaranteed a headache.

God always lets us decide.

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