God With Us
“For unto 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.” Isaiah 9:6
Love came down and walked among us, bringing hope and joy to generations of those who have been introduced to Him, who have come to trust in His name. God always knows just what we need, when we need it. As the great “I Am”, he masterfully whispers in our heart and soul just who He is and how He is choosing to provide for us.
At different points in my life, I have clung to different parts of the promise found in Isaiah. With the birth of my children, I reveled in the mighty God who gives generously. With the beginning of new phases of life, I held fast to the Wonderful Counselor who guides my path. With the passing of my own dad, I found hope in the reminder that I have an Everlasting Father.
This is the year I cling to the Prince of Peace. My tendency is to hold down the emotions that tumble out of my heart. I am embarrassed when my tears fall, when depression overwhelms, when fear takes hold. The more I try to suppress these emotions, the more power they harness to rise up and control my day. I sacrifice a bigger life of purpose and meaning to a smaller life controlled by the whim of emotion.
Yet God wants so much more for me. This Mighty God can handle any emotion I send His way. And when I meditate on, focus my heart on, the Prince of Peace, He introduces eternal truth that is unchanging. Truth that the God who created this universe is in control (Hebrews 1:1-2:8). Truth that not one hair falls off my head that He doesn’t know about (Matthew 10:20). Truth that He can be my Prince of Peace if I will allow Him complete access to my heart.
Yes, that may sound more vulnerable than I want. Yet the truth is the God of peace, joy, hope and love desires to reign in my heart and soul! Oh, what a truth! Oh, what a hope!
No matter where you may find yourself this week, I pray you will seek Him out. I pray you will welcome Him into your chaos, your celebration, your fears. He is the Everlasting Father who will not disappoint. He truly is Immanuel, God with us!
Merry Christmas!
Caroline
1 Comments
Thank you, my friend, for your transparency.. It encourages all of us.