Advent: Dec. 13 // The Big Picture

As the holiday draws near, it’s easy to find ourselves caught up in busyness and activities that exhaust our bodies and overwhelm our minds. Perhaps this Christmas season finds you feeling weary. We can take steps toward restoration when the troubles of life threaten to steal our joy.

Bring your praises to God.

We worship not because of who we are, but because of who our God is. He is worthy of praise, in spite of our circumstances. As we allow ourselves to freely worship, our focus begins to change, and joy has room to grow. Jesus meets us where we are and lifts our heavy burdens, assuring us that He is strong enough to carry them all. Consider the words in Isaiah 35:10:

And the redeemed of the Lord will return and come
to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy
and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and
sighing will flee.

There is power in singing praise to God, surrendering
our hearts and allowing Him to work. One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World:

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

In everything give thanks.
 
I read a quote years ago that really stuck with me:
“There is always, always something to be thankful for.”
This simple statement points to a profound truth found
in Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Some may not realize that Paul penned these words while in prison. This backstory really helps put our everyday worries in perspective, doesn’t it?

We can begin by listing all the things, big and small, that we’re thankful for. Some even keep a gratitude journal. Recounting all of God’s blessings creates a space for thankfulness in our minds and lifts our spirits.

Focus on the eternal.

Take a moment to step back and take in the big picture. Paintings have an entirely different impact depending on the perspective in which they are viewed. A Monet painting, for example, when viewed up close, is merely a collection of colorful dots. It’s impossible to fully appreciate the work when only seeing a small section. Yet, by stepping back and taking in the painting in its entirety, our perspective shifts, and a great work of art is revealed.

Our lives are similar. When viewed up close, we may only see one chapter, or even one page of our life story. God not only sees what we are currently going through, but His vision extends beyond space and time and into eternity. We can take heart in knowing that He has our future in His sight. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says:

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

No matter where you may find yourself, God is near and offers the promise of an eternal, unending joy. Reach out to Him, and allow Jesus to reveal to you the true joy of Christmas.

Joy // The Big Picture | Michelle Trimmer