In this season of Advent, you might be questioning your worth and purpose. The approaching holidays may feel like impending doom rather than joyful anticipation. As those around you are counting down until our Savior’s birth is celebrated, you are internally doing all within you to slow down the upcoming hoopla that is sure to hit from every side.
There is hope in a season of hopelessness. You have a purpose and a place in the story of life. We find this glimmer when we turn to God. I pray you will be blessed by this song from Casting Crowns – God is With Us.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
I cannot pretend to know how you feel as Christmas is approaching. I pray that you know you are never alone. God is with us always. He asks us to join Him in His story. He has a place for each of us.
[Tweet “God is with us in our longing as He provides hope in our hopelessness. #Advent #story #grace”]
I pray God’s word in scripture and song will bless you. I also hope you will follow along as we look at God’s story and how it intersects with our own through the days of Advent.
With longing and hope we open our hearts in this season of Advent.
Mary
Great post. Love Casting Crowns.
Casting Crowns sure knows how to weave a story through their songs. Thank you for being here!
Saw the title to your post, and that song immediately came to mind. So thankful that God came to us on that wonderful night, that He is with us now, and that He is coming again to set all things to rights!
I am not one to think of end times but my heart yearns for when Christ will come again. Our world is broken but God is the healer. The song God is With Us is the perfect reminder that in the middle of the mess, God is still there. Thank you for being here, Michele!
Thank you for this hope-filled post and song, Mary. I’m so grateful “There is hope in a season of hopelessness” and we “have a purpose and a place in the story of life. ” God is with us! God is for us! God is in us!
This is one of my favorite songs of the season but you will find I say that about a lot of songs. I love music because it feeds my soul. It is so freeing to repeat the words “God is with us, God is for us and God is in us, over and over. Blessings to you as you make your way through this new week.
Mary,
Love this song by Casting Crowns. Thank you for the reminder that even if we have sadness and longing….there can also still be hope….always hope!
Blessings,
Bev xx
You bless me with your encouragement and by being here. Casting Crowns does a beautiful job of writing songs that not only speak of hope but tell a story that we can enter in of God’s love. Praying your Advent has been a time of soaking in God and inviting Him to be present.
An inspiring and compassionate post, sweet Mary! I’m thankful to be standing alongside you in our place in HIStory Blessings on your Sabbath.
Your encouragement is a sweet gift. Thank you for standing alongside me this beautiful season of Advent. Praying your new week is blessed.
I confess that there are times as I make holiday plans that I’m feeling more “impending doom” and less “joyful anticipation. I needed the reminder that God is with me, that He is Immanuel.
I was hoping to feel more calm this year (because I’d like to think I am a little smarter this year than last!) but the old feelings of anxiety are bubbling again. Those expectations of purchasing and spending creep up. I’ll keep praying for His help and strength so I can focus where He wants me to be. Thank you, Mary!
I will pray for you too, Carrie as you look to God to ease the anxiousness. May God teach us all that in Him we will always have all we need and following His lead will take us where we need to be always. Blessings and thank you for stopping by.
I’ve been more keenly aware of the challenges that many face emotionally/spiritually as the holidays approach, Mary. So I’ve been asking certain people whenever I see them how they are “really” doing and I’ve been surprised at how many are struggling and will gladly stop and tell me about it. I’m so glad you are addressing this challenge and pointing us to the One who can bring peace to our hearts in the midst of any storm we may be facing. Hugs to you!
I just know that loneliness can plague many during the holidays. It’s probably more people than we even realize too. I am thanking God that with Him we are never alone and hopeless. Blessings as you begin a new week!
I love this Casting Crowns Christmas album, Mary … I’m soaking up all the beauties of Christmas music this year, maybe more than ever …
I hope you’re finding this Sabbath afternoon beautifully encouraging to your spirit, friend.
;-}
Casting Crowns knows how to dig into story with their songs and I love that about them. Soaking in the season through music is one of my favorite things to do.
Today has been restful with a chance to enjoy a walk outside at my favorite garden. Can’t complain! Blessings my friend!