HOPE-FILLED JOY

Psalms 146: ⁵ But joyful are those who have the God of Israel^[a] as their helper,
      whose hope is in the Lord their God.⁶ He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.

What was before the BUT in today's scripture because that may prove just as important as this verse?   Before the but was about people who put their trust in other people instead of GOD.   Who are you trusting to help you through this holiday season?  I am sure everyone isn't excited about Christmas.   Studies show that this is the MOST depressing, lonliest and violent time of the year, due to frustrations of want. Maybe you want more money to make a better Christmas, maybe you want your family members home, maybe you wanted to just have your mom, dad, aunt, child etc back again.  Or maybe you want just peace.  Whatever it is you are in want for.....I encourage you to reflect on the promise in the scripture; that those whose helper is the LORD will be JOYFUL!  WHY?  Because HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES to never leave us or forsake us (Matt. 28:19-20)   I don't attempt to minimize the frustration of the season, I mean really....it began that way....Joseph stressed about being with a woman that is pregnant and the child isn't his, them not being married, taxes due, he has to get a pregnant woman to town, and I'm sure that was a long, arduous journey...so the the encourage is to be found in KNOWING....GOD is PRESENT with you today.  It's HE who can bring a smile to your face.  It's HE who needs to be on the guestlist before anyone else while you cook, shop, entertain and serve friends, families, and strangers. 

Santa has his helpers.....Satan has his imps,....God has the angel & us.........WHO DO YOU HAVE TO HELP YOU?   Honestly....GOD CREATED THIS DAY, and depending upon how much you choose to include Him (in the preparation & celebration), will greatly affected how JOYFILLED or JOYFUL it is!   LGLP