Written by Lis Cheesman

Now we all know that the Christmas season brings stress, frustration, and a general sense of being stretched too thin. It always seems like everyone needs something from us. Our bosses demand our energy. Our children demand our finances. Our friends demand our attention. Our families demand our emotions.

And this becomes doggone overwhelming.

When we find ourselves giving in to these relational stressors let us be filled with this promise from God’s word in 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3,

For not all have faith. But God is faithful.

For not all have faith—I get it. Relationships are hard, people are broken. But God is faithful—unfailing, never-changing, always enough.

If that’s not hope, I don’t know what is. Oh how Scripture satisfies our deepest needs. Through Paul, God tells us, “I know life can be hard and people can be frustrating, but I will never let you down.” He affirms our pain and confirms His promise.

The one who has promised is faithful.

So in this advent season let me challenge you to hold on to the hope of His promise. Today identify a situation that has caused you stress or anxiety. Sit with it. Acknowledge the struggle. Now consider where God is in it. Sit with Him. Acknowledge His faithfulness. Our God was faithful to send His Son to save us all and He is faithful to return and redeem us all. So let us rest in the hope of God’s faithfulness as we celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate His return.