We count things every day. Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes it’s steps. It might be calories. Or if you’re like us, you might be counting the days until Christmas! Sometimes people count blessings, and sometimes people count what they don’t have. In all your counting, remember this; your faith counts blessings, and your unbelief counts lack!
If you find yourself consumed with thoughts of lack during the Christmas season we want to encourage you to realign your focus. Rest. Psalm 91:1 tells us “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”. This rest doesn’t call us to get in bed and sleep. It doesn’t call us to escape from our lives. This rest comes when we dwell with the Lord. Dwell isn’t a short-term word. Dwell isn’t something you do for an hour. Dwell means to live in a specified place. Not visit. Live. In the case of the Psalm, we are instructed to dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
We know God is the Most High! Dwelling isn’t something you do with a stranger. It’s impossible to truly dwell in the shelter of God if you don’t know Him. Perhaps you could stop by His shelter when He’s an acquaintance to you. To move into His shelter and truly dwell there with Him; you must know Him intimately. That is when you will be able to rest in His shadow!
The good news is that you can dwell with and rest in Him no matter where you are physically located. Physical location is a flesh thing. Dwelling in Him is a spirit man thing! This means even as you travel to visit family or as family travels to you, you can still be at rest in His shadow! Even if Aunt So and So insults your mac and cheese or Grandma Whoever questions your relationship status, you can still dwell in His shelter!
As you spend time with friends and family this weekend, be sure not to take your loved ones for granted. How you handle the tough situations could affect the eternity of those around you. Your relatives may be looking to you to see Jesus in action. If your spirit is rested in Him, it’ll be easier for you to show the love of God in your actions and words.
This is our first holiday season without Grandma Lila. This might be your first Christmas without a loved one. Or it could be one more holiday without them after many. We encourage you to draw near to God. Truly allow Him to be your strength. Remember that our loved ones are in our future! 1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us not to “grieve like people who have no hope”. We have the hope and promise that they are in Heaven, and we will see them again! As always, enjoy the ones who are present at the table!
Remember the words of a sweet, old hymn.
“Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God Has done.”
God’s blessings and promises are all deposits into your spiritual bank account. These many deposits help you have something to “spend” on those around you. You check your spiritual bank account by counting the blessings God has already given you. Another way to do this is reading the Bible to find out what His promises are! If you never check your account, you’ll operate as if you are living in lack.
These are a few of the benefits that belong to you due to your salvation! Say these things today over yourself!
I once was lost. Now I am found!
I once was dead. Now I’m alive in Christ!
I once was blind. Now I see!
I once was sick. Now I am well!
I once lived in turmoil. Now I have the peace of God which passes all understanding!
I can now stand in the midst of a storm without the storm being in me!
Our prayer for you is that you would know and remember that God is for you! We are praying for a special and fresh anointing of the peace of God on your life! We are believing that you will draw near to Him and He will be your strength! Please know that our hearts and doors are always open and available to you. Please reach out if you need extra prayers and connection during the Christmas season! We love you!
