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Week One: Trust

Introduction to Week One Christmas time always has called for trust. From the time God made His first promise of the Savior's arrival (Genesis 3:15), to the prophet Isaiah's amazing prophecies of the Lord's birth (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7), to the remarkable visit of the Magi to worship the young king (Matthew 2), trust has remained a key part of anticipating Christmas and getting our hearts ready to receive the Son of God. Far more than looking forward to presents and trees and carols and sleigh bells, Christmas means trusting that God has our best interests in mind and always will do what love requires, even if it means sending His own dear Son from the glories of heaven to the mess that earth too often is. And that is why trust in God still takes center stage as Christmas approaches this year. Just because the calendar winds down to December 25 doesn't mean that "life" on our messy planet gets any less messy. In fact, sometimes it seems to grow even more untidy, more frenzied, more chaotic. In a world like that, Rudolph may provide some nice memoriesbut trust in God provides the anchor in the storm that can keep us all safe and upright, regardless of the waves that surge our way.

Day One: Trust as an Adventure Read Genesis 3:13-15; see also Acts 15:13-18; Psalm 118:24; 1 Peter 2:21.

Prayer: Father, I woke up this morning with a new idea in mind: I want today to be different. So often it seems as though my first waking thought is either, Grr! I didnt get enough sleep or I dont have enough time to get everything done today. And right away, my day starts on a negative note. Theres no way that this is what You intended for me. So, Father, I want to approach today differently. I want to lay my negative mind-set at the foot of the cross and start fresh with You. I know I cant do this on my own. I need You, God. I need to view life as You view it and try singing a different songone of praise, belief, trust, and worship. It would be so great to begin my day excited about the possibilities that each moment holds. Please help me to do this. Help me to live the next twenty-four hours with a spirit of anticipation. Gene

Devotion: Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to

see events in your life from My perspective. A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.
(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: To what "adventure" might God be calling you this Christmas season? What is He doing in your life right now that seems a little different, a little out of the ordinary, maybe even a little surprising? Make this a matter of prayer and ask the Lord what new thing He might want to do in your life this Christmas.

Day Two: Trusting in His Sheltering Presence Read Genesis 49:8-10; see also Psalm 90:1; 91:1, 2; 36:7; 118:8, 9; Proverbs 11:28.

Prayer: You are a mighty and awesome God with all-surpassing power. I know that. I believe that! I remember the stories of how You kept the lions from harming Daniel, and how the flames in the blazing furnace didnt touch Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego. And how could I ever forget the way you gave David the strength and courage to fight Goliath? But sometimes, Lord, I wonder. When I see all of the evil in the world and the innocent people who are often hurt by it, I wonder. When I hear about car accidents, or a fire that destroyed a family home, or a father of six who lost his job, I wonder. I wonder if I should live more carefully. I wonder if I should save more money or look for a better job. I wonder if I can really trust You. I wonder if You will protect me. Im scared, Lord. Sometimes I stay home instead of venturing out because Im afraid of what might happen. Ive missed many adventures for this reason, and yet I keep catching myself reacting out of fear instead of faith. I long to be confident that You are watching over me. I want to rest in Your loving embrace and feel safe in Your Presence. I desire to live boldly for You. Please help me understand how. Marlon

Devotion: Rest in the assurance of My sheltering Presence that keeps you safe. Let My promises of protection strengthen and comfort youlike huge heavenly bells pealing out

ancient, changeless truth. I want you to take refuge in My Shaddai-shadow more and more, by placing your trust fully in Me. It is tempting to take shelter in people, money, success, good health. These are blessings from Me, but you must not rely on them. Any or all of them could vanish instantly. The unending protection I offerrefuge in the shadow of My wingsis available to both high and low among men. In addition, I freely give you the priceless gift of My unfailing Love! Since I offer you so much, it makes sense to put your trust in Me above all else. Listen to the psalmists proclamation: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." Solomon, the wisest of all men, wrote: "He who trusts in his riches will fall." Whenever you start to feel anxious, let these feelings serve as a warning that youre putting your trust in the wrong place. You need to stop listening to your worry-thoughts, and instead tell yourself the truththat I am totally trustworthy. Then turn your attention to Me, saying: Lord, Youre my refuge. I trust in You and Im safe!
(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: In this season of joy when we remember the long-ago coming of the Messiah, Jesus, what elements of our modern-day celebration make it tough for you to put your trust in God alone? Wondering how you'll pay for all the gifts you want to buy? Dealing with the frenetic schedule of the holiday season? Whatever those difficulties might be, name them specificallyand then bring each one to the Lord, trusting that He will make this Christmas one to remember . . . for all the right reasons.

Day Three: A Lamp to Trust Read Jeremiah 33:15-16; see also Ephesians 5:15, 16; Psalm 119:105.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord God, for these precious minutes of peace and quiet that You have provided. The week has been crazy and busy thus far; and with the weight of stress on my mind, there is nothing I need more at this time than a quiet moment in Your presence. When lifes problems surround me, Im prone to neglect You and rely on my own instinctsonly later to discover the extent of my foolishness. Youd think Id have learned by now what a waste of time my fretting is, how pointless my wisdom is. But Im still on the learning curve, Lord! Thats why I am so marvelously grateful for Your patience with me. I stumble in my walk with You, yet You never turn away. I go astray again and again, yet You remain right beside me. You are a God who is worthy of all my confidence. Give me a desire to know You and Your Word so thoroughly that I may always trust Your plans for me. And from here on out, would You please persuade me to come to You early on? I never need to worry when I am in Your hands. Julie

Devotion: Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Allow Me to transform you through this time alone with Me. As your thoughts center more and more on Me, trust displaces fear and worry. Your mind is somewhat like a seesaw. As your trust in Me goes up, fear and worry automatically go down. Time spent with Me not only increases your trust; it also

helps you discern what is important and what is not. Energy and time are precious, limited entities. Therefore, you need to use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture, I will show you how to spend your time and energy. My Word is a lamp to your feet; My Presence is a Light for your path.
(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Take a little time to remind yourself how God has come through for you in Christmas seasons' past. What answered prayers can you remember? Perhaps it was a healed relationship, or some funds arriving just in time, or a safe trip despite terrible weather. Whatever it might be, thank God for it againand use the memories to quell any worry you might be feeling this yuletide season.

Day Four: Trust Him at All Times Read Proverbs 3:5-6; see also Deuteronomy 33:27; Jeremiah 29:13, 14; Matthew 1:1824.

Prayer: Lord, it has been one of those weeks. The car has been making a funny noise, and the mechanic is claiming that only a costly repair can fix it. My daughter needs dental work that will run into the thousands. The athletic director has asked me to help organize a team fund-raiser, my boss moved a project deadline up two weeks, and my in-laws announced theyll be visiting for three days starting tomorrow. Overwhelmed? Yes. So much so that I just want to curl up in bed until next week. Or next year. I know, God, that You have blessed me richly. I know that You provide for my needs. I have a car, after all. I have healthy children. The school places confidence in me, my boss relies on me, and my in-laws enjoy visiting. Why then, does my trust waver when demands pile up? Why is it so difficult to peel my eyes away from my circumstances and rest on Your promises? Renew my faith, Lord. Pull my focus from the swirling whirlwind of chaos to the calm of Your presence. I need to know that I can come to You for peace in the midst of the craziness and trust that Youll bring me through. Nathan

Devotion:

I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: I trust You, Jesus. By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms. Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you.
(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Put yourself in Joseph's shoes for a moment. Mary, your fiance, has come to you bearing news that she's pregnant. You know you're not the father, and Mary claims the child is the offspring of the Holy Spirit. You love her, but her story is so . . . utterly unbelievable. And then God shows up in the night and instructs you to marry the girl and give her son the name "Jesus." It's a moment of truth, a moment of trust. If you obey, surely you will hear the whispered gossip of those who also disbelieve Mary's story. What makes you trust God and obey? What consequences might you have to endure for your obedience? And how can these insights help you today, in your real life?

Day Five: Trust and Love Go Hand in Hand Read Isaiah 55:3-5; see also Psalm 28:7; 18:1, 2; Isaiah 55:9.

Prayer: I thought I loved You, Lord, but Im feeling threatened by the upheavals where I work and the loss of family members I leaned on for support. When I committed my life to You, I felt such joy in serving You. I had faith in Your goodness and mercy. So I cant understand why all these bad things are happening to me now. How can I trust You, much less praise You, when my world is falling apart? I feel surrounded by bad news from every quarter. Who will be laid off tomorrow? What loved one will succumb to illness? I try to keep busy so that I wont have time to think, but Im tired and I cant seem to find the peace You promise in Your Word. Maybe its because I use activity, not just as a shield against discouragement, but as a way to hide from You. I have to admit, I do flee from the discipline of spending time alone with You each day. Im afraid to face You when I feel so out of sync with Your will for me. Dane

Devotion: I am your Strength and your Shield. I continually worksometimes in wondrous waysto help and protect you. As you put your trust in Me, your heart can leap for Joy! Trusting Me and loving Me go hand in hand. When I search the hearts of My children, what I focus on most of all is the measure of love and trust within them. If you say you

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love Me but you do not really trust Meto take care of you and your loved ones, providing what is best in your livesthen your words ring hollow. To trust Me wholeheartedly, you must rest in My sovereignty: My absolute control over the universe. When circumstances seem to be spinning out of control, its essential to believe I know what I am doing. I orchestrate every event of your life including suffering and lossto benefit you in this world and the next. While you are in the throes of adversity, your greatest challenge is to keep trusting that I am both sovereign and good. Do not expect to understand My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than yours. The best response is simply to thank Me, believing I can bring much good out of the unwanted circumstances. This act of faith will encourage you and glorify Me. I rejoice when My struggling children give thanks to Me in song.
(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Christmas is a great time for singing, because so many treasured and meaningful carols have been created through the years, just for the season. Regardless of how you're feeling, take a quarter hour or so and sing some of your favorites. Let Silent Night, or Angels We Have Heard on High, or O Holy Night, or any other favorite carol direct your voice and your thoughts to the God who asks you to trust Him.

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Day Six: Stay in Touch Read Job 19:25-27; see also Matthew 2:13-23; Psalm 18:33; Habakkuk 3:1719.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, You know I want to do so much for You and for those I love. But things just keep going wrong, and I cannot seem to stem the tide of failure. I am clumsy and slow. My efforts seem to cause damage rather than relieve pain. The words I say in comfort come out flat, lacking consolation. The service I render feels inadequatea single drop of rain in a desert of need. What I lack in skill, I try to make up for in effort, in the hopes that expending twice as much time and energy will bring many more results. Yet the needs remain and no one is satisfied. It is frustrating to feel so ineffective when my greatest desire is to help others. When will I see something positive for my efforts, Lord? You know my heart. You know my desire to serve You. And You know how hard it is to see things falling apart around me. I long for my life to be marked by successes rather than by failures. Ava

Devotion: When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me. Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing. Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control. Rejoice in Meexult in the God of your salvation! As you trust in Me, I make

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your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.
(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: If you had created the universe, would you have sent Your Son into a warped and sinful world . . . as a helpless infant? Would you have given Him into the care of a desperately poor teenager and her peasant fianc? Would you have forced this young couple to take a long and uncomfortable trip just before her delivery date? Would you have allowed a murderous king to attempt an assassination of Your Son? Yet our loving God allowed all these things. Why do you suppose He did so? What was the point?

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Day Seven: Ascents and Descents on the High Road Read Matthew 2:1-12; see also 1 Samuel 24:8-13; John 21:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Habakkuk 3:19.

Prayer: I have enjoyed my journey with You, Lord! You have been so goodteaching, guiding, nudging me in the right direction, even sometimes pulling me along. I know there have been times when I raced ahead of You because I thought I knew a better way. Imagine that! But I always got lost. And there were times when I foolishly ran away from You, only to hit a lot of dead ends. Im not always a good follower. But You, Lord, are the best Leader! You have patiently waited for me. You have been faithful to forgive my foolish wanderings. You have blessed all of my efforts and given me a wonderful family and circle of friends. You have placed me in a church that honors and glorifies Your name. And every time it looked to me like things had gone wrong, in the end You showed me a better plan. I know I have a long way to go on this journey. Remind me every day, Lord, that Your way is best. I want to always trust and follow Your lead. Andrew

Devotion: I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts. Your assignment is to follow

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Me, allowing Me to direct your path. Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me. Learn to trust Me when things go wrong. Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through this day. I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep draughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it!
(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: As you look toward Christmas day, what single event or challenge or relationship in the days ahead seems to call most for you to place your trust in God? How can placing your full trust in your Lord make this Christmas into something extraordinary?

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