Who’s That on the Wrong Side of My Bed?
By Justin March

“Come to me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in me you are complete.  As you rest
quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter.
Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My
fullness.  Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of
bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate.  Tell yourself that this is the
perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust.  If you persevere in this
dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and
Peace have become your companions.  You may not realize at what point they
joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their
presence.  The perfect end to such a day is a doxology of gratitude.
I am He from who all blessings flow!”

An excerpt from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Friends, it has been a struggle to get out of bed the last couple of
weeks.  Work, holiday planning, and year-end demands have caused extra
stress and loss of sleep.  There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in
the days, and instead of hitting the bed with a deep slumber that comes from
hard work and satisfaction, I seem to lie awake with a racing mind and
unforgiving schedule.  Exhaustion sets in, frustration levels rise, and
the light at the end of the tunnel seems out of reach.

Yet, it is in these times that God seems to find a way to bring me back to
Him.  It is hardly ever mind blowing or miraculous to the naked eye, but
the power in the ways He reaches me can only be seen when I take the time to
relax, breathe, and open myself up to what He wants to show me.  He
usually arrives through the family and friends who love and support me, or He
sends a simple message like the one I received above.  And when I come to
Him with my gaping emptiness, I am always astonished at how easily He seems to
fill me back up.

There have been plenty of mornings lately where I feel like I am getting up on
the wrong side of the bed.  It is all I can do to allow my feet to hit the
floor, and the tension starts to mount with each and every step.  But as I
pick up my devotional and read an excerpt like the one above, I quickly realize
that Joy and Peace have indeed become my companions.  I may not realize at
what point they joined me along my journey, but I am grateful for their
presence and how they seem to carry me through this demanding life.  And
when I take the time to sit back, take in some deep breaths, and ponder the
struggles of the day, it becomes apparent that Jesus was always there.  It
is in His presence where I find the time to be grateful, gracious, and
forgiving so I can continue on His wondrous journey.

As we enter the Christmas holiday, I pray that you find some time to relax and
unwind.  I pray that you find hope in this incredible holiday, and
remember to celebrate the true meaning of our Savior’s birth.  And I pray
that your faith strengthens as you read excerpts, like the one above, that are
full of promises and good news that will help you along the way.  The
distractions will fight for your attention, and the hustle and bustle of the
holiday will try to wear you down, but with Jesus at your side, you will find
that Joy and Peace become those companions you need that allow all of His
blessings to flow!