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For week three of our devotional series on Naomi in the Book of Ruth, Kristine shares a video devotion about the conversation between Naomi and Ruth, and the importance of their return to Bethlehem-Judah at the beginning of barley harvest.
Why is Naomi’s response to Ruth so important to their journey? What is the significance of the harvest season?
Watch Kristine’s message below to find out the answers to these questions and more:
This time last year, panic over holiday planning took control like a boss micromanaging my every move.
I thought I’d learned to give it all to God. I thought I’d done a good job of living in the moment instead of striving for perfection, especially through the holidays. But it was December already, and somehow all the uncertainty of the past year caused my struggle with control to resurface.
It started innocently enough, right after Thanksgiving. Digging out Christmas decorations, deciding on the Christmas Day dinner menu, and more, adding to my growing to-do list.
But as I studied the calendar and thought about the days ahead, things just weren’t adding up to the perfect Christmas celebration I envisioned.
The days flew by, and I still had no idea how many people would be coming over. I couldn’t settle on a menu that seemed right for the different dietary needs of our guests.
Would everyone show up at the same time? Or would everyone come-and-go according to their own schedules? Do I need to plan activities?
With each passing day, anxiety grew.
Soon I began spiraling into a dangerous place of creating too many expectations—a place I’d been before. I felt my physical body begin to weaken. In all the planning, I’d forgotten to take care of myself like I should. I feared I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy the blessings of the day.
Was there any way to salvage the season?
“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
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The joy of the Lord is my strength. We love that quote from Nehemiah 8:10, don’t we? It’s one I turn to often for encouragement on days when joy seems out of reach! But as I look at this Scripture again, I sense its truth speaking to me in a new way.
These words read aloud by Ezra the priest not only held special meaning for the Israelites returning from exile, they also hold significance for whatever season we are in right now.
The wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt. God’s people returned. So much still needed to be done. In fact, most of them had no homes to live in. Yet Ezra made it known, this was no time to grieve. This was their time to celebrate. And in verse 17, we discover that they listened and obeyed God’s command to enjoy themselves.
“From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.” Nehemiah 8:17
I’ve always struggled with just sitting back, taking a deep breath, and enjoying myself. Resting and being present in the moment doesn’t come easy to us go-getter types. There’s just so much to do! Thankfully we have truth from God’s Word to help us press pause when we try to control every detail.
So, how do I stop that overbearing boss called ‘control’ from taking over? How do I live like the joy of the Lord is my strength? By refusing to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.
One reason I’ve discovered for this tug-of-war with control is that deep inside, we want everything to turn out okay.
But God always has an abundance of good things in store for us, if we will let Him be our daily joy and strength. And when we take the pressure off of ourselves to put together the perfect holiday, God will show up in miraculous ways.
I will always remember last Christmas as a day of unexpected blessings and joy beyond what I could’ve hoped for. In true God-character, He showed me the beauty He can create when I allow Him to be in charge. Family and friends gathered in our home for laughter, conversation, and connection. We simply had fun, and I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.
Friend, if thoughts of Christmas gatherings and activities are threatening your joy this year, take heart, then take a step back, and pause. God can do infinitely more when we allow him to take the lead.
In order to live like the joy of the Lord is our strength, let’s start with this prayer.
Dear Lord, I choose to simply enjoy Christmas this year. I will let your joy be my strength. I refuse to worry over plans or what could go wrong. I let go of expectations based on my own ability. Instead I will give control back to you and watch your miracles unfold. Amen.
Looking for a gift idea for that friend or family member who loves to read? Give the gift of hope and renewed faith this year.
Find out more about my latest book, Refilled (including links to purchase), by clicking the image below.
