January of 2022!! I, unfortunately, find myself already metaphorically stuffed from the leftovers of 2020 and 2021… unable yet to celebrate a new year. Bringing in the new year didn’t feel exciting, hopeful, optimistic, or new, for that matter. It felt more like a big cold heaping plate of tired leftovers from the previous two years. I instead felt dread, disappointment, chaos, anger, frustration, unresolved conflict, and anxiety. I’m aware this isn’t the most encouraging beginning to one of my blogs but it is honest and I think there is something to be said for that in the times we are living. I hope you will stick with me to the end because I am trusting I get to that place where the light hits the darkness.
As I struggled to open my Bible and devotions this morning, I flipped through all my familiar portions praying for some encouragement and strength. One thing I have found consistent down through my life is that God is faithful and always right where I left Him- waiting patiently for me to look at Him. As I lifted my self-condemning, stubborn, face I was confronted by His forgiving, loving eyes. All the self-centeredness, self-loathing, and anger the enemy had weighed me down with began to be seen for what they were… lies from a devil who hated me and planned to destroy me.
A few truths I was reminded of today that I personalized
He is God and I am not.
In this world, I will have tribulation and trials.
I must be Holy because He is holy.
God is my refuge and strength.
He is my very present help in times of trouble.
I must forgive as He has forgiven me.
He is my hope and peace.
His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
I must love as He loved.
Jesus is coming back.
Jesus wins…which means I do too!
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” –Revelation 19
Just Jesus,
Sheri Langley
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