Every Good Gift: A 28-Day Advent DevotionalSample

The good news of the Christmas story is this: Emmanuel, God with us.

God is with you. That is good news! In a world of tumult, uncertainty and worry, how can the good news of God’s steady presence help cultivate peace for your soul?

The Bible is filled with promises of peace—today’s Scripture readings highlight just a few. Psalms 23 is one of the most famous passages of Scripture. It beautifully encapsulates the peace, rest, quiet, safety and stillness that God’s presence offers us: 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Emphasis added)

God is with us—that is good news.

During the isolation and lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, especially youth, struggled in new ways with their mental health. In Ethiopia, Compassion centre director Letarik quickly noticed the youth in his care struggling with anxiety at unprecedented levels, so he and his team sprang into action. Each Compassion centre staff was assigned a group of youth to call weekly to check-in. They received comprehensive training that would help them identify children’s specific emotional needs through their conversations.

Fatire is one of the teens who began receiving regular phone calls during the pandemic. “I was excited to hear the voice of the staff from my Compassion centre,” she says. “My heart leaped with joy. For the first time since I stayed home, I felt hopeful. I told them I was depressed and didn’t know what to do. They prayed for me. As always, it worked.”

Staff also connected youth like Fetire who needed extra support to professional psychologists. Additionally, they helped youth find activities to help them cope, such as doing handcrafts at home.

“Our joy is in strengthening and encouraging our children in this crisis,” says Letarik. “We are committed to coming out of this more united and our bond with our children even stronger.”

The good news message of Jesus tells us that God is close by our side always, even in the darkest valleys. How can you cultivate “peace … [that] transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) for your soul? What resources are available to you—professional care, community care, self-care, spiritual care—that can help you do that? Reflect on this on your own or with a trusted friend today!

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for Your presence with me. Help me remember that even in the darkest valleys, I need not fear, for You are with me, protecting me, comforting me, and offering me peace. I pray for those around me and around the world who are struggling with anxiety in this season. I pray that You would bring them comfort and tangible support. In Jesus’ name, Amen.