There are people who are ready to receive comfort and joy
And people who deflect comfort and joy like they’re playing badminton with the gifts of
A loving God.
Trouble comes to us all. No one escapes adversity in this life. But we can choose how we respond.
In the years before Jesus was born, Israel suffered under Roman rule.
Their suffering was so great they named their daughters “Mary”
A name that means “bitter.”
God heard their cries for deliverance
But warned them to prepare to receive what was coming:
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40: 1-3
How do we prepare for the coming comfort?
The same way we prepare for company to arrive – we clear the decks, we make space, we clean house.
Paul says: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
Put away bitterness – wrath – anger – clamor – slander – and all malice.
Rid yourself of them.
They take up space – crowd out room – that will be needed for Jesus.
I wonder if that is why so many people who had been waiting for Him the first time around missed Him?
Were they brimming with bitterness that left no room for a Messiah born in a manger?
Israel was suffering injustice. There is no debate that they suffered. So bitterness is understandable
But according to God, bitterness is a choice.
And apparently our spirits have a maximum capacity
So if we choose to fill them with bitterness, anger, malice, wrath, slander, and clamor
Jesus will find there is no room for Him.
To prepare to receive comfort and joy, I’ll ask God to show me what I harbor in my spirit
That takes up space He’s hoping to occupy.
Occupy Jesus. Now that’s a movement I’m happy to join.
What are you doing to prepare?
Get in on the conversation
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Handel’s music is a great topper for your writing.
Liking the images again too. 😉
This was beautiful and so full of truth. I am doing all I can to stay close to my Jesus through His Word of Truth. I know He has to to do the work in me, for of myself I can do Nothing. What a Wonderful Savior we serve! Thank you for this truth!
Once again, goof stuff Lori… THANKS for keeping our minds & hearts in track! 🙂