Christmas Reflection: When the Going Gets Tough

I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Isaiah 63:7-9

When the going gets tough, Isaiah reminds the Israelites to remember the Lord. Isaiah recounts God’s steadfast love, remembering everything God had done for Israel. Namely, God gave himself to Israel as her savior. God gave himself completely. In their affliction, he was afflicted and he drew near to them and saved them.

Savior. His name is Jesus, the Son of God. He died and rose and is now in heaven, interceding for us.

As with the Israelites, Jesus is faithful to give us his presence during our trials. With every cry and every whisper of his name, he answers with peace. Some days, this feels like our only hope.

Jesus will do the same for you, if you will ask. “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15).

When the going gets tough, remember his covenant of love. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How might the Lord be calling you to himself through tough seasons? Can you recall a specific time that you experienced the faithfulness of the Lord? If so, what was it? Why do you believe the Lord would encourage us to remember or recall his faithfulness and love towards us?

PRAYER: Dearest Father: You are holy and yet you are mindful of us. Lord, we will rebel. We will fail. But you are always faithful. You are always good and true and trustworthy. Thank you for your covenant love. Thank you that our relationship with you isn’t dependent on us, but on you. Thank you that when you view us you see your Son and his righteousness. Lord, help us to remember your steadfast love and mercies. We praise your name, Lord. The One true God! Amen.

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P.S. from Mark: Trillia Newbell is a wife, mom, and writer. She is the author of United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity (Moody Publishers, March 2014). Currently, she is the lead editor for Karis and a consultant for women's initiatives at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. Read more from Trillia on her blog.