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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, but I’m well aware that this month has potential for many disasters! If you’re like me, your calendar is already crammed full with kid’s plays, family visits, traveling, shopping, and more … oh my! There is so much to do, so many decisions to make, so many people to make happy.
In the midst of these full days, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important, isn’t it? God’s Word reminds us that when we’re weary, to look to the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” I don’t know about you, but I get a great deal of encouragement from that verse.
Something else that has helped me bring some calm to the potential chaos is a little three-step method to make sure first things like spending time with God are truly first—especially this time of year.
Choose a time right now and put it on all of your calendars. Make this the one thing that does not get bumped. Why? Because all of your time will be better spent when some of your time is spent in God’s Word. Yes, even in these full days before Christmas! It will not only help you keep your own sanity, it will calm everyone around you.
Even if it’s only for a few moments, give God’s Word the first minutes of your day (you can read more later). It doesn’t have to be a long stretch of time, although once you start, you’ll likely find yourself craving more. “Honor the Lord with the first-fruits of all your increase.” (Proverbs 3:9) You’ll be blessed in your spiritual and in your practical life when you make it a point to give God the first portion of time from your day.
Before you open your eyes and peek at your phone, speak to God. Pastor John Piper wrote, “Let the first words out of your mouth while still on your pillow be a cry to God: ‘I need You again today.’” David wrote in Psalm 63:1, “O God, early will I seek you.” Abraham rose up early in the morning and to meet with the Lord. And Jesus got up early to talk with the Father.
This simple formula has brought me closer to God’s own heart and His ways during the busy month of December. I can only imagine how many potential disasters were avoided because my reactions and words were in line with Scripture! I encourage you to follow this in the days and weeks ahead. You’ll be so glad you did.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, I am fixing my gaze upon You. My prayer is to honor You in all I do. May I model Your character and represent You well this Christmas season. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
Creating a Beautiful Lifeby Elizabeth George —This book with a built-in Study Guide prepares you to create a more beautiful and productive life and holiday season. Click here to view this helpful book & Bible Study.
REFLECT
Do I make time with God a priority in my day?
REMEMBER
(1) a daily time, (2) the first time, and (3) an early time.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.