Are you thinking what I'm thinking? That given the events of the past years, Advent feels just a tiny bit misplaced? Global pandemic.
Economic instability.
Racial tension.
Unending violence. The call to quiet myself and once more prepare for the coming of Jesus feels like something better suited for a time of greater peace. What I need right now is to not wait on the Lord but experience the Lord. Like, yesterday. You know what I mean? And it's not exactly the Jesus in a manger whom I really need, if I'm being honest. It's the Jesus who walks on water and flips over tables and brings the dead back to life who I want rushing onto the scene. And yet, Advent calls me to wait and prepare and keep watch for a Savior who will enter the world in as fragile a state as possible: an infant entrusted to a poor and powerless couple. Remind me again how this is Good News? As is most always the case, to understand the story of Jesus we must first understand the story of the Bible. Ages before the birth of Jesus, the Prophet Isaiah told us exactly who this powerless infant would one day become. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 This is who Jesus will become, Isaiah says. But this is not who Jesus is at the beginning. He begins… as we all do… at the beginning. And even though that's often not the Jesus we want, I think it might be the Jesus I need. |
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Yes, the world is terrifying, but the Good News is that God is not afraid. |
Yes, the world is terrifying, but the Good News is that God is not afraid. |
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Because I don't know about you, but it helps me tremendously to know that Jesus will not only come to have the world rest upon His shoulders but that He is brave enough to allow the world to bear down upon Him. Put another way: - yes, the world is terrifying, but the Good News is that God is not afraid.
How do I know that? Because Jesus could have arrived fully formed as the Mighty God and Prince of Peace. He is God and God can do whatever God wants to do. But God chose to come to us as a vulnerable child, which is just another way of saying He did what none of us would ever do. He let down every defense, ceded all strength, and offered Himself to the entire world. Why? There are many good answers that could be given, but at least one of them must be that God wanted us to know that even though the world can be terrifying, God is not terrified, and thus we can choose to not be either. Seen in this light, I am drawn more peacefully into the waiting season of Advent, eager to lean in close and gaze upon this Child who will save the world and trust that even though the story has yet to play itself out, the mere presence of the Baby lets me know that all, in the end, shall be well. Written for Devotionals Daily by Ryan Casey Waller, author of Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About. * * * |
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Maybe Advent felt misplaced even that first Christmas. Maybe it's meant to feel misplaced. Advent is all about waiting in hope, trusting in Jesus even when our circumstances don't offer comfort or peace. God is with you here and now. He's not afraid! Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Hope starts now... you are not alone |
Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About |
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+ Take an extra 20% off $45+ with GG20 |
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Mental illness loves to tell lies. One of those lies is that you should be able to manage what you're struggling with all by yourself, but in Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About, pastor and psychotherapist Ryan Casey Waller reminds us that we don't have to suffer alone. Mental health issues aren't a symptom of a spiritual failing or insufficient faith. In fact, suffering is the very thing our Savior seeks to heal as he leads us toward restoration. And yet, as Waller has experienced firsthand, the battle can be lonely and discouraging--but it doesn't have to be. |
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In Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don't Want to Talk About, Waller offers a rare mix of companionship and truth, inviting us to: Have shame-free conversations about mental health Discover why self-knowledge is so important to a deep relationship with God Understand the intersection of biology, psychology, and spirituality Explore varying avenues of healing in community, therapy, and medication Be equipped to support loved ones while practicing self-care
Waller bridges the gap between the spiritual and the psychological in this empathetic, imminently helpful guidebook, reminding us all that we are not alone. Hope starts now. |
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What Our Readers Are Saying |
"The author grabbed my attention on the first page. I am learning that good mental health needs to be cultivated by EVERYONE. It is okay to talk about behavior and God's help in other ways than simply, 'Lets pray it out of you.'" — Dee R. |
"Very helpful, even in the midst of the worst of times. The sentences are full--read slowly and allow them to sink in. The author has a wealth of knowledge from his education in law, ministry, therapy, and as a co-sufferer. His perspective is particularly helpful for people of faith." — Reda R. |
"I really appreciate the author's perspective as a co-sufferer, pastor and therapist. As a mother of an adult son who suffers from mental illness, I now have insight into his experience, questions, and struggles. At some point I hope to share this book with him." — Linda M. |
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This unique journal will meet you where you are and lead you to the path of healing.
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Don't Look Back Online Bible Study |
This is your year to shake off the past, to stop looking back and longing for what was, and to step boldly into the plans and promises God has for you in 2024! We need to fix our eyes ahead on Jesus – not keep looking back! Will you join us for the FREE Don't Look Back Online Bible Study with Christine Caine? Registration is now open and the study begins January 22nd! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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