Emptying Self
Week Two Reflection
Joel 1, 2, 3
A few years ago, I was at an all-time emotional low. I was trying to finish my master’s degree, dreams of having a family seemed to be dying, and ministry just seemed to be beyond my ability. How could all these things be happening around Christmas? How could I celebrate Advent when what I felt was deep sorrow and burn out? Have you ever just gone through the motions during Advent and Christmas, watching others wondering how can they be so happy while I’m so sad? Are we even in the same time and space?
I hope that many joining us on this devotional journey aren’t experiencing these emotions this Advent. But if you are, I pray that exploring the book of Joel will be a place for you to find peace in surrendering even your raw emotions to the Savior who was born, placed in a manger, and left the manger to show us what being made in the image of God really means. And if you are in a good place emotionally, I pray that exploring Joel will prepare your heart for those hard times you might encounter in the future.
I made it through that low season because I surrendered my emotions to God. I lamented the brokenness I was experiencing, talked with trusted mentors and professionals, and began to surrender who I thought I needed to be to God’s leading. When I am seeking God’s will (not that of self or others), I find a peace more beautiful than all the Christmas decorations and lights at this time of year.
Lord, open our souls to your peace this Advent, helping us surrender every part of our being, including our emotions. Amen