 One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is reading more. When I say “reading,” you likely think of novels, biographies, and magazines. Chances are, the individuals adopting this resolution think the same. But I encourage you to make Bible reading a habit in 2018.
 It’s a question I have concerning the Christmas story.
The Bible says, “All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 2:18-19 NLT). On this Christmas weekend, I want to share what I believe is happening in Mary’s heart.  Worry and worship share the same characteristics: deep thought, unshakeable focus, surrender, and devotion. The only difference between worry and worship is the recipient of those characteristics.
A good worrier has the potential of being a good worshipper. However, this can only happen when the recipient shifts from the external to the eternal.  God is revealing to me the power of our words. It’s crazy. It’s life-changing. Words hold the power of life and death. What you say matters.
God understands the power of speech. In fact, the creation story shows us that God creates the universe by speaking it into existence. Let’s take a look at Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Gen. 1:1-2 NLT).  I’m only seventeen. So many things I’ve yet to experience. Much of life is still an imagination. But, thank God, I know Jesus Christ.
Looking back, I wonder where I’d be without His saving grace. His unconditional love. His reckless pursuit for my soul. I may be young. “But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his” (Job 12:13 NLT). |