Just In Time For Christmas

May I be vulnerable for a moment? I know it might sound cliche, but this year has been very different. Spiritually, I've felt low...actually it's been a roller coaster of emotions, you should see my prayer journal! God has also felt distant (felt is a key word here because God is always with us). But I've even found it hard to get excited for Christmas this year (I know, Me of all people!).

Anyway, this morning I was reading my Bible and I just wasn't feeling it until I read 1 Peter 4:18 which says:

"If the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the wicked and godless?" TPT

I read the verse again and again. As I did, it awoke something within me and also brought a holy conviction. I'm so thankful the Bible is living, and speaks to us right where we are to bring us where we need to be. Because I realized I had been coasting in my relationship with God and was losing momentum. Barely getting by like it says in 1 Peter 4:18.

As I read it again I was reminded that we weren't saved to just barely get by. We were meant to thrive, no matter the circumstance. We've been given the ability to walk in signs and wonders. To have real depth to our relationship with God and access to joy and peace, an everyday reality. Oh Holy Night! How my soul needed the reminder (King David often had to remind his soul, so I guess I'm in good company)!

We aren't promised a life without problems, however we are promised Emmanuel. Jesus will always be with us and we have every heavenly blessing at our disposal. But I haven't been accessing it. I had forgotten that we are supposed to make the Jews envious of our relationship with God and show the rest of the world what He is like. We are called to be a shining bright light, not a flickering light under a bushel...NO!

So this is an encouragement to myself and those who, like me, have felt stuck under a weight, whatever it may be to get up and dust yourself off. You are not getting out of the race this easy. You have all of heaven behind you and God beside you. Remind your soul God is good, because the world needs you. It needs us to live fully enfolded into Christ. We owe it to the world, my friend!

Just remember 1 Peter 5:8 says:

"Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for prey to devour." TPT

We cannot let down our guard, and barely get by (that's a trap)! So I don't know about you, but I'm not waiting for New Years to start digging back into the Word wholeheartedly and strengthening my relationship with the Lord. It starts now, and what better season than Christmas to do it. Christmas was/is all about reconnection with the Father in heaven. The reminder is a perfect Christmas gift, really...

Much love,

Janell

*PS the song below has been a real encouragement to me, seriously, take a listen! Also, if you need encouragement or prayer shoot me a little message in the"contact" tab up top or on facebook or Instagram. I'd love to pray for/encourage you.