Hope for the Holidays

Written by Deborah Brunt

Courtesy of  Journey magazine, LifeWay's monthly devotional magazine for women.

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It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that come with the holidays. Personal quite time can get lost on the endless "to do" list. Here are some devotional thought-starters to get you through these busy days.

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. - Psalm 31:24, Holman CSB

Something to think about ...

• How do you feel about the holidays this year? Is this typical for you for this season? Why or why not?
• What different feelings do you observe in people around you as the holidays draw near? What causes these feelings?
• Recalling the rule by a foreign govenerment, forced travel (for census purposes), and crowded inns of the first Christmas, what emotions do you think the people in Judea were feeling at the time of Jesus' birth?
• Luke 2 makes clear that some Jews in that day were looking for the Messiah's coming. Why was their hope more than just a positive feeling?
• What was the outcome of their hope?
• "Good hope" is hope that does not disappoint. Do you know someone who needs good hope this holiday season? Why might it be hard for that person to be hopeful?
• How did Paul respond in a bleak situation (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)? How did others help Paul maintain good hope (v. 11)?
• Many people gain or lose hope depending on whether things look like they're going to turn out all right. What does Romans 8:24 teach us?
• What sure sources of hope do we have (Romans 15:3, 12:13)?
• What will be evident in our lives when we have hope (Romans 8:25, 15:13)?
• Pray Psalm 31:24 (see above) for someone you know who needs hope. Will you commit to pray for this person through the holiday season and to send a card letting him or her know of your prayers?

Deborah Brunt of Oklahoma City is a writer and speaker who challenges women to pivotal involvement in God's purposes.