What an empty feeling to get the present you thought you wanted, only to discover that it doesn’t bring you fulfillment – or longer hair, whiter teeth, stronger muscles, a bigger bank account, greater prestige, or many of the empty promises we heard touted by advertisers in the weeks preceding the Christmas holidays. Just reflect: were your holidays celebrated as holy days? Instead of resolving to do something you knew you wouldn’t do in the new year, did you consider asking God to show you what HE wanted from you in 2011?
I’ll be honest – I did overeat during the holidays a bit more than Weight Watchers would’ve allowed. Nevertheless, I’m back on track, losing weight again (after several weeks of gaining!), being more disciplined, making healthier food choices, and getting back into my exercise routine. But I’m grateful that I didn’t overspend. Because I’ve been in that position before – and it hurts when the sparkle wears off. Every action has a result. The euphoria of having something shiny or new diminishes exponentially when you realize how much it’s going to cost you…every month…for several years. And then you have to ask yourself: was it worth it?
I believe there’s actually a correlation between overeating and overspending – in both instances, you think you don’t have to pay for it now. But the big secret is this: you will have to pay for it eventually! And interest is mounting up significantly. While excess fat that you don’t burn off accumulates on the hips (and other spots!), spending (or charging) what you don’t have today racks up credit card debt.
By now, the bill cycles from Christmas decisions (and indecisions) are running and being delivered to mailboxes far and wide. Though the specific day celebrated as Christmas has come and gone, it is still quite appropriate to ask your Creator for the right gift this year. Troubled, anxious, worried, fretful? What you really need is peace – that only comes from the Prince of Peace. Puzzled, confused, wavering? You need the Wonderful Counsellor. Looking for direction and instruction? The Mighty God and Everlasting Father will show you the way – for He is the Way.
Don’t bankrupt yourself – in the natural or in the spirit realm. Nobody wants an empty present birthed out of an impulsive past that leads to a bleak future. Choose life! Make wise decisions! Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving…taste and see.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
(Isaiah 9:6-7)
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
(II Corinthians 9:15)
© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart
Kayren Cathcart's Blog 