Devotion 3: The Prayer Journal

“I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21 

Christmas is a time of joy, hope, and celebration. Yet, somehow, it is simultaneously draining with endless lists of things to do, gifts to buy, church events to attend, charities to donate to, organizations to volunteer for, and people to visit. All on top of the things we want for ourselves. Even with all the good and generosity surrounding the season of Christmas, our hearts can become cold and unfeeling. 

If you have ever found yourself in this place, you are not alone. This is a common struggle, and it has been happening since the beginning of time; just go back to page three of your Bible. Adam and Eve were surrounded by God’s presence in the Garden of Eden, yet they fell for the lie that they needed something more. Later, God’s people, the Israelites, repeatedly forgot His goodness despite seeing countless miracles. 

The wonderful thing about 1 John 2:21 is that it reminds us that when we are saved by Jesus, we know the truth. Take a deep breath and remember this truth: we are loved by a Savior who understands our hearts and minds. Even better, He continues to love and pursue us when our hearts and minds are preoccupied. He is right there, waiting to restore us. Rather than feeling guilty for growing cold, use this as an opportunity to come back to Him. Ignore the lies of the enemy that say we are too distant or too distracted to have joy and hope. The very hope of Christmas is that Jesus came for people who struggle, who lose their way, and who need Him more than ever. 

If you are like me and struggle to remember all the incredible things God has done, I want to share an exercise that has helped me in remembering and seeing God’s goodness. I will take my prayer journal and open it to previous prayers, and I begin to read what was on my heart at that time. Then, as I read, I take a highlighter and highlight answered prayers. The first time I did this, I was amazed at all the ways God had moved in my life. If you do not keep a prayer journal, consider starting one. 

This season, let us return to the truth we know. Jesus is our Savior and came to bring light into our darkness. He is still Immanuel, God with us. Today and every day, He offers peace, joy, and hope. Let us allow that truth to warm our hearts once again. Then, rise to stand in awe of Who He is and what He has done. We are never alone, no matter how far away we may feel. God is faithful in reminding us of His goodness. God is faithful in restoring us, just as He has done from the very beginning.