My Dad, who loved Christmas and being with family so very much, passed away just days after Christmas two years ago.

As I sit looking at my home, decorated as it always is this time of year, with the word “JOY” literally all over the place, tears well up in my eyes, again.

I miss my Dad. I wish I could experience his joy of Christmas just one more time.

As the sadness engulfs me, I remember the Words of my Heavenly Father in my Bible- “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”(I Peter 5:7)

And, instead of counting all my blessings, as many say will help us in times like these, instead, I began rattling off my cares, everything I was sad about.

I told God I didn’t like that my kids grew up so fast. Christmas looks pretty different with adult children.

I told God that I feel really overwhelmed with how much I’m working, how my house is dusty, and how I never feel like I’m caught up.

I didn’t stop with those things, but continued on with everything I could imagine to worry about.

And yes, I know the verse about not worrying. I thought about that.

But here’s the thing, the Almighty God (El Shaddai) ,the God Who Sees (El- Roi) knows our doubts and our worries. He knows our every thought and every word before it’s even on our tongue! (Psalm 139:4)

He knows what I’ve been thinking and feeling so isn’t that exactly the kind of cares I should cast on Him?

What’s more, it seems as I prayerfully listed every sad thing, everything that troubles me, or might trouble me if it were to happen, I felt peace begin to flood my soul.

And you know what else God already knows? He knows what it is we think is too hard for Him. (Go read Gen 18 for an example).

He knows what we are ready to give up on, and He knows who we are ready to give up on.

Anyone thinking of anything yet?

Maybe it is that prodigal child. Maybe it is financial struggles. Maybe it’s a health crisis you, or someone you love, is facing.

Friend, God knows what we are thinking ,and feeling, and I believe He loves us so much that he doesn’t just say “don’t worry”, He tells us how not to by casting our cares on Him (1 Pet 5:7) and coming to Him when we are weary to find rest. (Matt 11:28-30).

No, God is not interested in the prettied up religious life we are tempted to present to Him. He doesn’t want us to keep our thoughts to ourselves (as if we could). He wants close, intimate, transparent intimacy with me and with you!

Does that not blow you away? Does that cause you to want to worship the Christ of Christmas?

He stepped into our brokenness.

The King of the Universe, who came to earth to save us, wants us to run to His open arms for salvation but also with every worry, trouble, and fear. That’s where we will find JOY again and again! ❤️

Oh! What a Savior!

Christmas

aweandwonder

joy

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