Going on a guilt trip this Christmas?
Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe because of self-induced pressure or the weight of others’ expectations. In fact, I get tired even thinking about doing any work that involves writing during the holidays. So, how can I focus on my writing projects with all of the distractions of the holidays?
… I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time … I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does … (Rom. 7:18-25 MSG).
As I wrote my writer’s wish list for the WordServe Water Cooler blog parade, I knew that I needed to ask for some grace gifts—like freedom, strength, provision, and peace.
Freedom. I face a cruel critic in the mirror. But James 1:22-24 encourages us to look into the mirror of God’s Word for the truth. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NLT).
“God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again” (John 3:17).
But how can we resist these guilt trips and self-examination?
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death (Rom. 8:1-2).
Strength. Often the stories that make the greatest impact on the lives of others reveal failures and weaknesses—those moments in life that shake up our worlds. Why? God promises to reveal His strength in our weaknesses.
My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Provision. I hate to admit my age, but “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken …” (Ps. 37:23 TNIV).
Are you aware that God promises to provide all of our needs? “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19 NLT)
Peace. God also promises to guard our hearts and our minds with His peace.
… Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down … (Phil. 4:6-7 MSG).
Grace. How can we find freedom from guilt? Stop, drop, and pray. Voice your fears and your needs to God, as you make your wish list—checking it twice, of course. Then, trash that old “naughty or nice” checklist.
By the way, I’m also adding YOU to my wish list this Christmas—I pray you receive the gift of grace this Christmas!
What did you include in your Christmas wish list? I’d love to see it!
Free book giveaway. Leave a comment on this blog post (below) during theWordServe Water Cooler blog parade (December 14-17, 2012 ) for your chance to win a copy of Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk (my latest book contribution).
Check out the WordServe Water Cooler Blog Parade for links to other WordServe Authors’ blogs and more WordServe Water Cooler blog parade giveaways.
Photo/KarenJordan
I want to be able to walk again, to draw closer to Christ. Would love to a copy of your book, thanks.
I join you in your prayer for your physical and spiritual healing, Michelle. I pray you receive God’s gift of peace and healing this Christmas! Btw, I’ll announce the winner of the angel book soon!
Such great thoughts here. Thanks so much for doing the blog parade!
Thank you for your hard word getting us all on the same page again, Jordyn. Blessings to you and your family as you celebrate Christmas!
Your title drew me in. The answer would be yes, there was this stupid detour sign and I followed it, knowing that there was a better, safer way around. So here I am, on a guilt trip, and drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for the light to change so I can get back on course.
Because of dealing with stress, facing our first Christmas without my father-in-law and grandfather of our children, not to mention watching my husband grieve, we “celebrated” Christmas gift-giving early this year since one child had to have her expensive present early. None of us are particularly feeling like decorating.
Strange how that in a year when we’ve “opened” nicer presents than previous years, the emptiness of things has never been so apparent, (even though we’re grateful that we’re able to have needs and wants met.)
I have a feeling that this detour is going to teach me that I had the opportunity to see different scenery along the way, a new viewpoint from which to express my gratitude. Who knows? I might even meet a few fellow-travelers on the same detour, who need the encouragement you just gave me to make the most of this guilt detour.
Sorry for your detour, Joy! But looks like you on the right road now. Christmas also brings some bittersweet memories in our home. I pray your family embraces this season of hope, as you make new memories together.
I enjoyed your post about your wish list…I have one too…and that too make it through Christmas without getting so stressed…I want everything just right…..and I do want to enter the awesome contest…the book sounds like a perfect book to read…’Heavenly Company:Entertaing Angels Unaware’…….I have shared on facebook and twitter too
Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing on fb and twitter! I’ll post the winner of the Angel book soon on my blog! May God bless you with His Peace during this busy holiday season!
I want my mother in law to be healed from her alcoholism : ( makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
Amen, Megan! I join you in that prayer for you mother-in-law! Blessings to you and your family during this holiday season!
Congratulations, Megan! You won the book giveaway! Please email me your mailing address at kj@karenjordan.net, and I will send your book to you ASAP. Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Blessings, Karen
This was just the right blog for God to lead me to today. I’ve been resisting working on my book although I’m about halfway through writing it. I’ve been having serious doubts about my writing abilities so it’s peace and strength that I need. Thank you for the encouraging words through your blog post!
Hi Glenda! Thanks so much for YOUR encouraging words! “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished …” (Phil. 1:6 NLT).
Many thanks for the words of encouragement. Those words are God’s words, and all I had to do was claim them. Thanks for the reminder!
Amen, Glenda! I needed to claim that promise on a couple of book proposals myself! I pray God blesses you with the confidence, strength, and peace you need to complete your book project!
I want to be free of unhealthy guilt. Stop, drop, and pray…love it! Thanks for letting us see you open up your soul, and letting the Sonlight in.
Guilt just holds us in bondage to fear, right? Thank you for your encouragement, Anita! I pray we both continue to walk in freedom. Amen?
I want my Mom to be out of pain and infection and my family to clearly see what our next step is…
Lindie, so sorry about your mom’s illness! It’s so painful to watch our loved ones suffer. I pray she recovers soon, and your family has a wonderful holiday!
Thanks for the link on your blog post, Gillian!