Jewels From Judy

Jewels from Judy: Praying For Our Peace at Christmas!

In Jesus’ name, I greet you and am excited to share an important revelation with you. If you wrestle with sorrow at Christmas because of the loss or longing for a loved one, you know it’s a horrible experience. It doesn’t help that the world is singing, "It’s the most wonderful time of the year!" Losing my parents when I was young caused me to long for them each year, and I had a tendency to compare whatever was happening to my joyful childhood memories. Nothing can live up to that! Thanksgiving Day and other holidays were often difficult, but the loneliest time was always Christmas. Since walking with the Lord, He has provided a great deal of deliverance, healing, and freedom in this area, but recently I had another epiphany.

My friend Barbara Sependa wrote a blog (linked below), and as I read it, the Lord dropped more revelation and understanding into my soul. The heart of her message illuminated to me that instead of surviving waves of sorrow, we are to rejoice within our fond memories. Dare I say, they can even comfort us! (Could the Lord be revealing how those who mourn will be comforted?)  Her blog really opened my eyes that in our heart, we can indeed “go home” and instead of feeling sorrow, rejoice as we recall those good memories! As I read what she shared, I saw how the devil had used my grief for years to keep me chained to the past (and that he abuses many of us in this manner). If we perpetually replay events (good and bad) to our detriment, then we will have little to no victory. Praise God that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!

I want to encourage you to take every thought captive and think on whatever is pure, lovely, righteous, and of good report, as the Apostle Paul taught us. If we will capture our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ, we can remember those times with joy anew not longing, torment, and sorrow. What a fabulous way to honor those we love and miss by celebrating, truly celebrating, the greatest gift the world will ever know. God sent His Son, Jesus the Messiah, to set us free from sin and death! Hallelujah!
 

It is my sincere prayer that you experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding, and that you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

In the Father’s love,

Judy A Bauman

(See 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:4-8; Matthew 5:4)

To read Barbara’s blog, go to: https://www.believingwomeninconversation.community/blog/2018/12/18/are-you-going-home-for-christmas?fbclid=IwAR04tU5E-y8ZKk0CsgaEAf9-jyEzZ97WO-aHIi2EuNZbn3rnZS6OAyKj5kI