Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Hope is the Heart of Christmas! (LISTEN HERE)
When you are in a challenging spot, you look for hope in someone or something outside of yourself.
If in financial challenges, you may seek a financial coach or investment advisor to guide you.
If you are stuck in the mud and can’t get yourself out, you may call a tow truck with the strength to pull you out.
When you are worried and upset, you may seek the counsel and advice of your parents who have gone through similar situations before.
People give us hope when they come with something we need and don’t have.
Isaiah prophesied (9:6) of the one who would come in the manger of Bethlehem:
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
It is easy to read quickly over these titles that are given to Jesus. Read them slowly:
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
It’s hard to think of a situation in life that would cause us to lose hope that one of these descriptive words or concrete concepts wouldn’t once again bring us hope. It’s a matter of turning to our Savior to find that hope.
Wonderful Counselor: Amazing advisor. From our Savior we get insights and advice to guide us through the most challenging situations…we just need to read it and listen to it and put it into practice. Of all the counsel one could receive, the most impactful and spot-on is that which comes from the Wonderful Counselor. Think of the Proverbs and all the wisdom they contain. Think of the promise Jesus gave to send the Counselor to remind the disciples of all things. The Scriptures are full of wisdom that God presents to us to give us hope when earthly wisdom fails.
Mighty God: More powerful than anyone and anything. The almighty God spoke this world into existence in six days. Enough said, right? He calmed the storms, healed the sick, raised the dead, drove out demons. Nothing in this world or in the spiritual realm is more powerful than the Lord himself. Let’s not only call on him in the day of trouble…but every day, no matter what the need is!
Everlasting Father: History gives hope…we looked at that on Monday. Why? Because past events tend to repeat and have patterns. How much more does the Father who loves us and calls us his children give us not only the perspective of time, but the perspective of eternity! From eternity he knew you and has placed you in a moment of time for just the right purpose. When we keep this eternal perspective and the relationship we have with God himself, hope springs eternal!
Prince of Peace: Every ruler has a legacy…the legacy Jesus brings is peace. Not always between people, but between God and people. The biggest rift in human history is repaired by the life, death and resurrection of the one born in the manger of Bethlehem. Life in chaos? Remember our biggest problem is solved in Jesus…let your heart be at peace as you deal with the issues of today.
What a tremendous resume the “child born to us” has! Each of them by themselves would bring hope…all of them together?…we can be filled with hope!
Apply: What descriptor of God is most real to you today? How does that reality of God give you hope?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the person to whom we can turn when we lose hope. For in you we find counsel, power, love, and peace. Thank you! AMEN.