No Despair!

December 10, 2020

No Despair!

I am trying to get my heart in a good place for Christmas. 

It was about a month ago that I had had all I could handle.  There had been a series of conversations in-person, on email, and by text that were focused on one topic.  Of course, everyone has a perspective, everyone has an opinion, and everyone has a plan for how I could fix what they perceived to be the problem.

I care about all of these people and I care about what they had identified as “the problem.”  I listened and I responded in love the best I could.  Then, the proverbial “last straw” happened.  It was just another text.  But, I was pretty much beyond my capacity to respond in a somewhat civil way.  I confess that I was definitely beyond the point of responding like Jesus would.

The Holy Spirit grabbed hold of my fingers (i.e., I was distracted by something else!).  He showed me that the path to take was to wait a couple of hours before I responded.  My response later was much different than if I would have responded immediately. 

I was thankful for the Spirit’s intervention.  At the same time, I was not feeling much joy.  Maybe it was a moment of discouragement or despair.  I know for sure it was not hope or enthusiasm. 

As we draw closer to Christmas, I am reminded that God’s people have gone through times when they had more despair and discouragement than joy and excitement.

In Isaiah 9:3 we hear; “You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you a with joy at the harvest as people exult when dividing plunder.”  The King of Kings is coming!  The discouragement will come to an end!  A Savior will be born!  There will be no more despair! 

The Son of God will deliver us and save us and rescue us.  The Son of God will come to release the shackles of despair and lift the burden of discouragement.  The Son of God will come as an Everlasting Father.

In Isaiah 9:6 we hear God’s promise; “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I need Jesus to be my Everlasting Father this Christmas.  I have had days when discouragement over how to lead, how to live, and how to love during Covid has taken me down.  There have been some days when there has not been much joy or excitement. 

It would be easier to give up or give in than reach out my hand to our Everlasting Father.  I need the child born in Bethlehem to be my Everlasting Father. 

I imagine you know someone who needs to know the amazing grace and incredible generosity of our Everlasting Father.  Take a moment during the next week to listen and care about their story of discouragement, disappointment, and despair.  Take a moment to pray for, and maybe even with, them for the Everlasting Father to restore their joy. 

When they experience our Everlasting Father’s joy they will take delight in the Lord.

Take delight in the Lord!

Doug