Nothing Less

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 (5:06 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Again and again and again I say, “Thank You, God!”

I’m here once more confessing my tendency of complicating things. Taking the simplest and making it complex. This is not Your best for me I am sure.

Spending more hours trying to sleep than actually sleeping is another example of wasted energy. Lord God, how I thank You that even [especially?] in my time of frustrated wakefulness the Truth and promises of Your Word were ever-present.

Thank You that You draw my attention to the pressures I place on myself. Unsolicited undertakings and demands made by no one else but me. I do this. You don’t!

Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30). I do NOT need to continue overloading myself and being afraid. I get to come to You and You will give me rest (v. 28). I can take Your yoke upon me and learn from You (29).

Yes please, Jesus. I like learning!

Thank You that as I got of bed singing ♪My hope is built on Nothing Less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness♪ Your peace had returned to my being. Reading of Your burden being light I was reminded to ♪cast all my cares upon You I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet, And anytime I don’t know what to do I will cast all my cats cares upon You♪

See? Even the mistake of that one word helps me smile. Giggle. Even laugh out loud. Imagining myself casting cats upon You. Thank You Lord for a sense of silliness returning. NOT taking the world serious!

I CAN ‘Give all my worries and cares to You, for You care about me’ (1 Peter 5:7). Thank You that You do.

As I took one item off an already full day’s list of things to do, I recognized a much fuller appreciation of the meaning behind the three glowing Advent candles. This truly IS a season of hope. Peacock (what’s up with the animal errors?!) PEACE! Joy.

Sending me right back to the next verse in Peter’s letter to the Jewish Christians. Here I am reminded to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I am to “Stand firm against him, and be strong in [my] faith” (9a).

Yes please! Thank You for reminding me that ♪My hope IS built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness… ♪

Father, do ALL You must that I will live this day (Psalm 118:24a) - the one You have made - as You would have me. Rejoicing and being glad! (v. 24b)

You are good. Great. Glorious. Gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). I want others to see You when they see me.

Do all You must in using me as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You for being You. So I don’t even have to try to be! Praise You. Amen.

(516 words ~ 6:40 a.m.)