The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 19

Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

When life starts to feel overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in anxiety. The weight of everything, work, family, to-do lists, can feel like too much to carry. But here’s the truth: Jesus is right there with us, offering something different. He isn’t distant or hard to reach; He’s a friend who is always near, ready to take on our burdens and replace our anxiety with JOY.

His JOY doesn’t mean everything in our lives will be perfect. It doesn’t mean our circumstances magically change. But it does mean He takes our anxiety and offers us something better—His presence. In the middle of stress, when you pause to pray, read the Bible, or even just sit quietly, Jesus steps in and fills our hearts with peace and JOY. It’s a JOY that doesn’t depend on our situation, but on His love and care for us.

This Christmas, when the stress of the season tries to steal your peace, remember that you don’t have to carry it alone. Jesus is offering you His JOY no matter what’s on your plate. So take a moment to breathe, let His presence calm your heart, and let His JOY replace your anxiety. His JOY isn’t just a feeling, it’s the strength that carries us through the chaos.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being my constant source of peace and JOY. When anxiety tries to take over, help me remember that You are with me, ready to replace my worry with Your love. Fill my heart with Your JOY today, no matter what comes my way. ~Amen.