This Christmas, Are You in Search of The King?

For some reason I feel a little lost this Christmas.
I feel like one of the Wise Men in search of the King, following the Star of Bethlehem.
But the star is off in the distance.
I feel like I’m chasing it, stumbling over myself to get there.
The journey has been challenging this year. Spiritual battles have worn me down and tested my faith. And, I'll admit, I failed some of those tests.
However, the testing revealed some flaws in my character and faith that I am praying about.
I'm weak, easily shaken, and can fall into the trap of being legalistic. Not good. So, I feel a little bruised and battered.
But just like the Wise Men, I’m not giving up this journey until I’m in the presence of The King.

This Christmas, I just want to rest in His presence. I don’t want to dwell on the past or worry about the future. I just want to be in the moment, kneeling in the presence of my Savior and LORD. I want to experience what the Wise Men felt when they saw Jesus Christ, The King. I want to praise Him in the Spirit and I want to lay down my heart at His feet. It is the only treasure I have and the only one Jesus wants.

So, I'm taking a breather. I'm breathing in the Spirit of God for awhile. I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to recharge my battery, to give me a new perspective, to strengthen and refresh me. I have a feeling that in 2017, I'm going to need it. Many Christian prophetic voices have been saying that a spiritual and physical shaking is coming next year. That means, as Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ, we have to be grounded firmly on the Word of God and we must plant our feet on the solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ. No turning left and no turning right. Just looking up and keeping watch.

So this Christmas, I'm just going to concentrate on giving Him thanks and praise for every blessing He has bestowed on me, my family, and my nation in 2016. And, my prayer for 2017 is Psalm 138. God, finish what you started in me. Your love is eternal, don't quit on me now. In Jesus Name. Amen.

My prayer for anyone reading this post who feels a little lost, worn, and battered by the trials of this year, is that you join me in my journey to be in the healing presence of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Savior Jesus Christ. I love the words to the song by Elevation Worship in the video below,  "Are you hurting and broken...have you come to the end of yourself? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling. Oh, come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ."

Merry Christmas. May Jesus bring you comfort and joy this season.
Love,
Yolanda

Psalm 138 (MSG)

Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”

Angels listen as I sing my thanks.

I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!”

Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness;

Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in;

you made my life large with strength.

When they hear what you have to say, GOD,
 all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”

They’ll sing of what you’ve done:

“How great the glory of GOD!”

And here’s why: GOD, high above, sees far below;

no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

When I walk into the thick of trouble, 
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.

With one hand strike my foes,

With your other hand save me.

Finish what you started in me, GOD.

Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.