Monday, December 16, 2024

 Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:7-18; Heb 12:18-29


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
 
Today’s scripture talks about not just how we must serve God, but that we rejoice in Him. And that if you dedicate your life to God, He will reward you. God wants to be with us. He desires our company. He loves us.

Even though this sounds wonderful, we often create barriers between ourselves and God. We have one life and we want to do the things we want to do. But I think we can serve God and still live the life we want to live. Maybe God gave us so many different and unique gifts so that His people can serve Him in many different ways. Not all of us are called to be bishops or priests. We are called to serve God using the gifts He has given us.

This is a kind of freedom. We can follow His commandments and serve others each in our own ways. When you are doing something you love, you hope it never ends. It is easier to live in the moment. I believe that is what is is like to live in God’s ways.

God loves us. I think that, though he challenges us, he wants us to live out our heart’s desire. He wants to help and comfort us.  God says, do not be anxious about anything, He tells us, instead, to pray.

When we pray to God, we are giving him our burdens. As in Matthew: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Well, maybe not always easy. We live in a world where it is hard to trust. It’s hard to imagine putting your life in someone else’s hands.

Still, God says not to worry, to turn to Him when we feel stressed, worried, or hopeless. I want to work on this. Next time I feel stressed, I’m going to try to remember to say just a simple prayer. I know I am not alone.

Amen

by George Ostrop

 

 
"Here I am Lord"  Dan Schutte
performed by John Michael Talbot

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