Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
November 20, 2023
This Week's Anchor
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Isaiah 26: 3-4 (NIV)
Let’s all admit it—the holidays can be a mixed bag of emotions for many of us. The expected joy, connection, and excitement often show up—filled with festive moments of nostalgic times with family, remembering and giving thanks, sharing love and gifts, celebrating the birth of Christ, and ringing in a new year. The lights are dazzling. The music is heartwarming. The cozy hot chocolate, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice everything makes it a cheerful time for many. And also…the holidays can bring other experiences—grief and loss of loved ones and/or life transitions, isolation if you are located away from your inner circle, anger, and frustration surrounding family conflict and drama, triggers of strained relationships, reminders of where you are versus where you want to be in life, financial burdens, sickness and illness, and more.
Simply put, the holidays often bring waves of varying thoughts and feelings. Our anchor scripture this week reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, we can tap into an unexplainable, somewhat magical, and perfect peace.
Let’s break this scripture down a bit…
Isaiah 26 refers to God’s Perfect Peace—His peace is like none other. Nothing nor anyone in this world can provide us with this type of serenity. It surpasses all understanding and coexists with and despite come what may. It often doesn’t make sense, nevertheless, it is abundantly granted to us. It’s the calm in the chaos; the anchor in the storm; and it sustains us through every and anything.
Steadfast and Trust—This scripture states that He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and who trust Him. To be steadfast in God is to be fixed in a Divine direction, unyielding in predestined purpose, unwavering, and firmly established. Trusting God requires surrendering what is difficult for us, handing over control, and having faith in God’s power and provision.
Our Rock—Oh, the eternal solid Rock of the Holy Trinity. It’s unmovable. It’s dependable. It’s sturdy in foundation. It’s timeless and unchanging. And with it, we won’t wither, and we won’t fade.
There is a beautiful song, by Stephen Hurd that says, “When my heart is overwhelmed, I pray Lord, lead me to the rock”. As we enter the holiday season, this might be our reprise. No matter if our holidays are jubilant or turbulent, we must remember our Rock within them. As we collectively give thanks, we can remember the Rock and the foundation of everything we are and have. As we receive and give gifts and partake in that glorious soul food, we remember the Rock from whom it comes. When we are overwhelmed with emotions at the memory of our loved one(s), we can go to the Rock who is the Wonderful Counselor and has just the right amount of relief for our grieving souls. When we find ourselves frustrated with family or loved ones, we can go to the Rock for wisdom in our words and actions. When our money is funny and our change is strange, we can lean on the Rock to provide for us and connect us to resources for support. When we are feeling isolated and alone, we can remember we can go to the Rock at any time anywhere, and that in Him we find an eternal everlasting home.
Unlike any other person, place, or thing in this world, our Solid Rock is never out of reach, and He never goes on holiday break. God’s peace is always one simple invitation and prayerful conversation away. As we navigate the holidays, come what they might bring, we can have assurance in knowing that the Rock will sustain us. Invite the Holy Trinity into this season and allow them to keep you firm and grounded as you transition through the holidays.
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What can you intentionally do and/or prepare to take care of yourself during the holidays? How can you remain consistently connected to the Holy Trinity during this holiday season?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Isaiah 32:17-18
John 14:27
John 16:33
Romans 5:1-5
Romans 15:13
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
“When you understand your inner self — your passions, motivations, moral code and vulnerabilities, you don’t have to blow in the wind of someone else’s expectations;
you can stand firm in your own truth.”
Janet Autherine
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