This devotion has been adapted (by me) from Girlfriends in God .
"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 everything through him who gives me strength. " Philippians 4:12-13
As the holidays approach, stores exhibit displays of Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time! Do you find yourself thinking about the "stuff" of the holidays, instead of giving thanks and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Take charge of your focus this holiday season...and guard against greed.
What happens when we live as if He is not enough and He is not all we want? Greed happens! And stress always tags along with greed.
Stress is a deadly disease that can wreak havoc in our lives... especially around the holidays. The frightening reality is that stress seems to run rampant, unchecked and in epidemic proportions through our relationships, our job, our home...every part of who we are. It does not have to be that way. In fact, a stress-riddled existence has never been and will never be part of God's plan for His children. No, but that would be Satan's plan for us because he knows that stress is a powerful tool through which he can work. Stress is his invitation to set up shop in our lives.
Stress management begins in a personal relationship with God. Without Him, we are in eternal trouble. A little girl ended her bedtime prayer with "Dear God, I need you to please take care of mommy, take care of daddy, take care of my sister and my brother and please, please God, take care of yourself because if you don't we're all sunk. Amen!"
May this be your pray during the holidays:
Father, I choose today to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas instead of being stressed-out and caught up in the "stuff" of the holidays. Please help me to focus on what is important and discard what is not. Give me eyes to see the needs around me...and find a way to meet those needs. Guard my heart against greed and an ungrateful attitude. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Take the time to be alone and plan your holiday attitudes. Just as you plan meals, parties, gift-giving...and every part of the coming holidays, you can plan your attitude. Choose joy! Choose contentment! Choose to focus on God and His goodness to us. Make a list of your blessings...and keep that list with you during the holidays. Refer to it often and set your heart on peace.
Stress happens! But we do not have to allow stress to control us.
Think on the promises of Psalm 23 in relationship with the points below - keys to help you escape from stress.
Take the time to be alone and plan your holiday attitudes. Just as you plan meals, parties, gift-giving...and every part of the coming holidays, you can plan your attitude. Choose joy! Choose contentment! Choose to focus on God and His goodness to us. Make a list of your blessings...and keep that list with you during the holidays. Refer to it often and set your heart on peace.
Stress happens! But we do not have to allow stress to control us.
Think on the promises of Psalm 23 in relationship with the points below - keys to help you escape from stress.
- Know whose you are
- Recognize your source of strength
- Know when to be still
- Expect some valleys
- Count on Grace
Blessed Holiday Planning!
(P.S. Don't you just love that pic. Thanks SH for emailing it to me!)
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