December 12th
December 12th
It is easy during the Christmas season to get the “wants.” It is actually easy all year long but even easier at Christmas because it seems everyone approves of it then. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the nice things in this world as long as it doesn’t become more important to us than it should, doesn’t interfere with our relationship with Jesus, doesn’t mess up our priorities and doesn’t dishonor God. But before we go longing after things of this world let us make sure that we are content in Jesus and let us find our “spot” in His presence so that we make wise choices.
Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
All the things of this world will not fulfill us the way His presence will.
Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17:7-8 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 63:7-8 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Have we found our shelter in God? Are we near to Him? Have we found our safe harbor in Him? Or have we drifted or wandered out in the open where we fall prey to the enemy’s pull on our heart and the distractions of this world? It is hard to find ourselves in real need when we are in His shadow. When we are breathing in His breath, we are filled up and do not desire the “things” of this world.
When the King is in the Room, we have nothing to fear and nothing to want for at all. This Christmas season, let us make sure that we are snug up next to Him before we start our wish list. You might find that list a lot shorter if you are standing in His shadow, breathing His breath.
Let’s make sure we are in the presence of the King. The Creator of the universe, wants us close to Him, closer than we can imagine, so close that there is no space between us. Do you feel Him standing over you? Do you feel His breath flowing over you and filling you up? No? Get closer, He’s waiting for you.
Almighty El Shaddai, help me to tuck myself into your presence so that nothing of this world distracts me, nothing of this world compares to your presence, help me to experience that and walk in you daily. Your presence fills the deepest part of me, help me to be aware of that throughout my day. Help your presence to be what I seek most, show me how to make it my priority and help me to share the Truth about your presence with others. Thank you for your love, protection, plan, and presence.