Emmanuel, God With Us

At Christmas time we hear a lot about "Emmanuel, God with us" and pictures of a helpless babe in a manger come to mind. Jesus, while born a baby and living a full life among humans thousands of years ago, is still alive among us because He is resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father. This should make a difference in our hearts when we pray. I've realized I come to God with requests for needs, change, confession and for His kingdom to advance. BUT I now see how I come to Him for things that seem positive or need His help, however I haven't had much history in coming to Him hurting. I kind of hide my emotions from Him if they are "negative". Wow, how fake for me to not treat Him as though He is with me, near me, seeing me, His Spirit living in me. I distance myself when I'm hurt, confused or mad and try to rationize the situation I'm facing...like I need to understand and get myself in order then I can come back to Him. He didn't go anywhere; it is me that withdraws out of pride, trusting myself to figure stuff out and honestly unsure what to do about feelings. Oh, the effects of the fall are so evident!!

One time I had DEEP disappointment, anger and deep sadness in my heart when a ministry opportunity that had been a 4 year dream of mine took a turn for the unexpected and died. I honestly didn't know what to do about my emotions and stuffed them. They drove me crazy!! I tried repenting but somehow that didn't give the relief I needed because I kept carrying the situation close to my heart. Then breakthrough came when I let my hurting, disappointed heart be real with God. I basically had a 2 year old temper tantrum in a woods (where no one could see!!). I screamed, cried and all out expressed the emotions in my heart to God. It felt very weird, yet liberating. He is soooo infinite and amazing that He could handle all the pent up feelings that were tormenting my soul. The SHOCK to me was the all out joy that filled my heart afterward. I was laughing hysterically for a few minutes. He is so good to redeem everything we give to Him. Who would want to live without a Savior, a Comforter, a Counselor, a Constant Companion, a Father, a Healer...Thank you God for Christmas, God's gift of Himself.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

May JOY unspeakble be yours as you draw near Him who is with us, Emmanuel.