via TJC
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
The start of a new year seems to offer us hope, a fresh start, a chance to set those new goals for the new year right? How did you finish this past year? Did you finish strong? Did you run a good race? Did you even consider how you finished? Look at the past 10 days, what were they like? What were you like?
I had a wonderful Christmas holiday! I spent time with my family, got to do things I had not done before, and was blessed with the fulfillment of restored and renewed relationship with my daughter. It was an amazing 4 day trip! When I returned home and looked around my home I realized I could do things to put my home in better order and I could do things to put myself in better order as well, spirit, soul, and body. It was over coffee with Dad that first morning home that I asked Him to help me finish strong. It has not been easy because it means turning from those things that comfort me and turning to that which is uncomfortable.
St. Paul encourages us to finish strong; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
“Embrace the suck” was a phrase often used this year in TJC. When I first heard it I was kinda offended by it. Not by the idea but by the vernacular. It was a foreign concept to me to embrace trouble or problems. I’m not the type of guy to run into and embrace the trouble or problems but it is something I did indeed begin to put into practice and this past year gave me much opportunity to embrace the suck. Now; I don’t find it offensive at all, I find it refreshing! I find the result of embracing the suck is joy!
Embracing the suck is near impossible to do alone. You have to have like-minded and like spirited brothers (and sisters) to help you on this ancient path. It’s not the common Christianease statements which offer no help but rather a sense of judgement; it's a common bond that says, “I’ll fight with you and learn with you and together we will embrace the suck.”
This new year is going to have its problems and its glorious moments as well so take encouragement in this;
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; “I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Daily Battle Order: A New Year’s Blessing!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matt 22:37
Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:39
Embrace the suck
Keep the faith
Shout with joy for the victory that’s been won!
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