The Dog Days of December

I don’t know how the weather was in your “neck of the woods” today, but in southeast Missouri – it was a dreary, cloudy Monday! In fact, it was a Monday – all day long! We all know that the “dog days of summer” are those hot, never-ending days of summer. Well, I guess you could call these the “Dog Days of December!” They are cold, dreary, and seem to go on forever and ever! I go to work in the dark and I come home in the dark. There are two weeks and two days left to work before Christmas! Oh, my, how these days seem to last forever!

When the weather is weary, days are long, and work is, well – work, it can be difficult to “put on a happy face.” As one who suffers from clinical depression from time to time, I find it can be exhausting to stay positive and keep from spiraling down. But, those “words that I have hid in my heart,” (Psalm 119:11) give me the hope and strength needed to “keep on keeping on.” I know that I am not alone for God said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man shall do unto me.'” Hebrews 13:5b-6) I know that if I will “confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and purify me from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9) I know that God has plans for me as he told Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) If I seek first the kingdom of God, all of the physical needs – what I shall eat, drink, or wear will be provided for me. (Matthew 6:33) Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to “not be anxious for nothing, but by everything on prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Yes, the secret to finding that glorious peace in this life is by being anxious for nothing, prayerful for everything, and thankful for all things!

So – hang in there! The days will be getting longer soon! “If God be for you, who can be against you?” (Romans 8:31) You’ve got this! Time to let the “Son” shine! God Bless, Courtney