Christmas Week #1 - Reading Plan

Day 1: Crying Out to God in Times of Waiting
Reading: Psalm 13:1-6
Devotional: In times of prolonged waiting, it's easy to feel forgotten by God. Psalm 13 gives us permission to express our raw emotions to Him. David's lament, "How long, O Lord?" resonates with our own struggles. Yet, even in his anguish, David demonstrates an act of faith by crying out to God. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you're waiting on God. Allow yourself to honestly express your feelings to Him, remembering that your cries are heard and that reaching out to God is itself an act of trust.

Day 2: Trusting God's Faithful Love
Reading: Lamentations 3:21-26
Devotional: Despite his initial despair, David affirms in Psalm 13:5, "But I trust in your unfailing love." This echoes the hope expressed in Lamentations. Even in our darkest moments, we can choose to remember God's faithfulness. His love is not dependent on our circumstances or feelings. Today, intentionally recall instances of God's faithfulness in your life. How can you cultivate trust in His love, even when you don't see immediate answers to your prayers?

Day 3: The Promise of God's Presence
Reading: Joshua 1:1-9
Devotional: One of God's unchanging promises is His constant presence with His people. In times of uncertainty or fear, like Joshua facing the daunting task of leading Israel, God's assurance "I will be with you" provides immense comfort. This promise extends to us today through Christ. Reflect on how the reality of God's presence can transform your perspective on current challenges. How might you practice awareness of His presence throughout your day?

Day 4: Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Devotional: David's psalm moves from anxious thoughts to a place of peace and trust. Paul provides practical guidance for this journey in Philippians. Instead of being consumed by worries, we're invited to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. God's peace, which transcends understanding, then guards our hearts and minds. Today, practice this approach with a specific concern. Bring it to God, express gratitude, and ask for His peace to reign in your heart and mind.

Day 5: Rejoicing in God's Deliverance
Reading: Psalm 40:1-3
Devotional: Psalm 13 concludes with David's determination to rejoice in God's salvation, even before seeing the outcome. This forward-looking faith is mirrored in Psalm 40, where David recounts God's deliverance. Sometimes, we need to choose praise before we see the answer. This act of faith can lift our spirits and reinforce our trust in God. Today, identify an area where you're still waiting for God's intervention. Write a prayer of praise, thanking God in advance for His faithful love and deliverance. Consider how this posture of praise might transform your waiting.