Devotions
Fjeldberg – Devotion for January 9th, 2025
READ (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
REFLECT
Now that the holidays are over, and it’s cold. . . and windy. . . it can be hard to not sink into a slump. Things may not be going your way, or the family isn’t in town anymore, or the sun doesn’t come out for days, or the cold prevents going outside for a walk. All of these are reasons that could sink someone into seasonal depression. And as Dr. Seuss says “Unslumping yourself is not easily done.”
What does “Unslumping” look like? The reading from Peter suggests giving that anxiety or that burden to the Lord. Does that mean just ignoring responsibilities or accepting that this is just the way it is? No! That means using the resources that God has put before you. That means reaching out to those close friends or family around you. That means bundling up and going outside for some fresh air – just do so wisely when the feels like temperature dips low. That means setting clear boundaries on yourself – or others – to achieve the results you’re looking for. And that also means it is OK to seek professional help, there is NO shame in getting the help that is needed.
Let us give our anxiety to God to help us “find the bright places where the boom-bands are playing.” God can take it, God wants to take it, to help lift us up to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, please help us along our journey when we hit bumps and slumps. Teach us to reach out for help when we need it, and to lend a hand to others around us who are needing help.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Devotions by Justin P