Something to Consider

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: Luke 2:1

 "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered."

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Today's reading:  Micah 6-7 Revelation 13

Something to Consider In Advent

The coming of Christ brings us a point many will never consider at Christmas time, but something, I think, we absolutely must not miss.

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)

15 "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)

18 "For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Consider this: Jesus in the garden Of Gethsemane

It says in Matthew 26,

"...(Jesus became)sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” (39) "...He fell face down and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Around a time of such grand preparations and light-heartedness, many will suffer depression or times of grief. So, we must remember: God sent His Son to die for us-to save us-yes-but also to be one of us. Jesus was tempted in all ways just like us, yes.

He also grieved so deeply that:

44 "And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground."(Luke 22)

I have been way down-in depression and grief-but I have not been that low. I have been sorry for my own sin, but I have not been faced with dying for all the sins of the world and carrying all of it to a cross to die.

My Lord Jesus-your Lord Jesus-came to show us we have His company in our depression. As a human, He felt it all and His desire is that we know He has humanly felt it all. And here is the greatest part for me: He feels all our pain and stands and offers us His hand up-His power to lift us or His gentle sympathy to hold us as we heal.

Zack Eswine, a pastor from Missouri wrote this:

"In such moments, what our anxious, howling sorrows need is the man of Gethsemane."

This season, pray help for the depressed and grieved from the man of Gethsemane-and thank God for Him.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name is all comfort in Christ Jesus. I pray Your kingdom peace in my heart. Give me today's bread for fighting a low spirit. Lead me away from depression.

God of all restoration,

In The name of Christ Jesus,

Amen