The season of gift giving is here, which means we’re all bombarded with sales, commercials, ads, and the push to buy more. And while that’s great and it’s definitely fun to give gifts to people we love or score a good bargain, I can’t help but think about how all that stuff only offers a temporary sense of joy. I mean, can you remember what you got for Christmas last year? Or the year before that? I honestly couldn’t tell you. And I’d be willing to guess most of you reading this would probably say the same thing. Why is that? I think it’s boils down to one reason: the joy of things quickly fizzles out. It feels good when we get it, but somehow that feeling doesn’t last. That thing or goal or big accomplishment we wanted so badly never seems quite as great after we get it. And before we know it, we’re looking for the next thing to bring back that feeling of joy.
I don’t think it’s an accident that we as human beings behave this way. In fact, I think we are hard-wired with a restless yearning for contentment. And there’s a very intentional reason behind this desire for more: our soul craves fulfillment.
Fulfillment is defined as a feeling of happiness and satisfaction. And while the world can offer a lot of stuff that will bring happiness and satisfaction in the short-term, none of that seems to quiet the deep yearning we all feel for something more. Something bigger.
The only thing that can calm our soul’s restless spirit is a life changing relationship with the living God–the one who placed the stars in the sky and specifically created YOU. Your creator knows your name and He loves you beyond words. When we allow ourselves to receive God’s love, forgiveness, and guidance in our life, our soul can take a deep sigh of relief. We don’t have to keep looking anymore.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my struggles this year is that nothing in this world brings me joy or peace or security like Jesus does. Nothing makes me feel as good as He does. Nothing brings light to the darkness like He does. And for the first time in my life, my soul craves time in prayer. I’m hungry to read the comforting, beautiful words of the Bible simply because that’s what makes me feel the best, emotionally and spiritually. Does it make all my problems go away? No. But it gives me inner strength. It fills me with purpose. It makes me a better mom, wife, business owner. The ripple effects are endless. No amount of stuff or accomplishments or worldly success could ever compare to that feeling only God offers.
And the best part? It’s completely free. No discount code needed. No shipping costs. No tax. No monthly fee to maintain a subscription to God. It costs you nothing. Zilch. Nada. Instead, the only requirement is a surrendered, humble heart and acknowledgment that Jesus gave it all on the cross for your sins and mine.
It is truly a privilege and gift to walk daily with Jesus Christ. It’s life changing in the best way possible. I can’t imagine where I would be without Him. And that’s a gift worth celebrating this Christmas!
Jesus replied, “if you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
John 4:10
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”
John 10:10
This is so important, and I loved reading it. Thank you for sharing these words!
thank you for reading Jana!
I needed this thank you. My daughter is mising, like we don’t know where she is or of she is ok. I can’t call her hug her. It’s so painful, and over the past year I have tried to buy things ot do things to bring myself relief, but you’re right it’s only temporary. I’m trying HARD to trust God, lean on him and have strength through him. It’s not east, but will keep trying.
Perfectly timed, and written.
Beautiful. Loved reading this so much & it’s so true! I can relate to you & your journey on so many levels…so thank you for putting these words out here. God is using YOU in big ways – it’s a blessing to have found your page for me (& now my sister!) to follow along as you share. Appreciate you! ❤️☺️
This is wonderful. Thank you for writing this. I have a very personal question so feel free to not answer but how did you grow your faith to be where it is today? I long for the same relationship you have with Christ and I feel like I’m falling short. I can see your joy and excitement. It’s beautiful. I read the Bible and I pray, but I just don’t have the connection like you have. How can I build my faith to be strong like yours? Also, do you ever host bible studies with folks online that follow you? If so, I would love to join one.
Hi Bridget, that’s a great question. So I was raised in a family that always talked about the Lord, prayed, went to church, etc. It’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember, which is great. But in a lot of ways that made me take it for granted, I just believed because that’s what you’re supposed to do. I was never truly on fire for Jesus until walking through the challenges I’ve faced in my adult life–and looking back I can see how each one of those challenges slowly grew my trust and reliance in the Lord. And then this spring/summer, when I hit a really low place emotionally, I found that being in prayer with Jesus was the only thing that helped me get through the hardest days. I cried out to God so many times and He has slowly but surely brought me out of that place. So I guess the short answer is that my hardest seasons of life have grown me the most in my relationship with the Lord.
Obviously that’s not necessary to grow in your faith, but it’s been the case for me. I also read the Bible every single day now, simply because I want to learn more about God and how He operates. I have never taken the time to read the Old Testament, I always thought that was boring and hard to understand. But now I actually want to read it because it’s fascinating to me to see how God met people in their mess, empowered the underdog, and just did the most incredible things. And then I love to think about how those lessons can teach me about my life now. It’s like I finally see the Bible as the best “self-help” book that ever existed.
Don’t get upset with yourself or feel badly about “falling short”. You’re not falling short at all! You clearly have a heart and desire to know God more. Just spend time on it every day, which a humble heart, and your connection will grow. And also, I feel it’s necessary to say that I have absolutely no expertise in this, I’m simply sharing my experiences as I learn. I’m just a mess myself and trying to figure it out!
Beautiful words after just caring for my parents and losing them both the last 6 months and going thru breast cancer surgery the Lord has been my refuge and strength 🙌🏻getting behind and trying to
Keep up
With this world can not replace the Love of Christ and I what I have experienced the last few months . Sarah thank you for being a light 💗🎄Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄🥰
I’m so so sorry Kim. Ugh that just breaks my heart for you. But I’m so glad you have made the Lord your strength and refuge. I pray He comforts you every day. xo
Thank you for this devotional. It really resonates with me. I love the Christmas season but dislike the rush and the external pressures that bombard you. Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
I hear you Chelsea! It can be overwhelming and distracting from what the reason celebration is for.
Thank you Sarah! “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe!”
I love these devotionals.
Keep ’em comin’ ❤️
AMEN to that. xo
Thank you Sarah for these words. I do know exactly how you feel as I have delt with anxiety for quite a long time. I can say that Jesus is my only comfort. Continu to let God speak through you as many women deal with this…and the true answer is a Relationship with Christ Jesus!! Merry Christmas!
Agreed, Cheri. Jesus is the best comfort.
This is so powerful! Thank you and keep doing what you do, we need to hear it all 💕
Thanks so much for reading Christine! xo
Sarah… I love this..I read a devotional everyday!! Thank you for this!!
thank you for reading it Tami!
Such a great reminder!!
Thank you for taking the time to write these devotionals. They are always so good and touch my heart. You are a true blessing.
Joycelyn
Thank you for taking the time to read them Joycelyn. xoxo
This is what I want in my life now. Thankyou for sharing your love of Jesus.
I’m sharing this devotional with my granddaughter who is turning 30 today. I know that sharing JESUS is the best gift I could ever give her. I pray this year is the year she chooses HIM as HE chose her. Thanks for sharing your ❤️.
Thank you for sharing Elizabeth!
Another beautiful devotion, well written hitting the heart right where it needs to. Thank you so much for sharing.
Love you Sarah..you are truly an inspiration. You come across with a pure heart. Thank you for all you do. Your spirit of sharing your human ness (if that’s a word) is so greatly appreciated. You are truly a messanger of our Lord. Thank you for sharing. God bless you n your family
I appreciate that so much Sandy. I feel like such a mess of a person, but I’m grateful to share what God is teaching me and it’s an honor to share those things. Thanks for all your support!
So heartfelt and beautifully spoken ♥️🙏🏻….there is none like Jesus ♥️♥️
Sarah thank you again for sharing your wisdom along the greatest King of all- we truly appreciate you and look forward to your weekly devotionals . I share them with my sister as well and we absolutely love them. Looking forward to ringing in another year with you and God front and center❤️🙏🏻❤️🎄
Thank you so much for sharing them Carol! xoxo Merry Christmas my friend.
❤️
This is perfect and exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you and please know what a difference you make in the lives of so many of us!
Thank you so much, Tanya. It’s such an honor to share what God is teaching me and this journey called life.
Beautiful Sarah. Thx for sharing your heart & truth about Jesus! Merry Christmas to you & your family.
thank you Lisa, Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for this devotional. You are right. At this time of year it is so easy to get caught up in the hype of Christmas. I often find myself in the struggle of doing life and taking time out with the one who gave me life. Our father who gave his own life to save us. I am trying hard to keep me head and heart in the real blessing we celebrate at Christmas.
Can I pray for you!
Holy father I thank you for Sarah, for her courage to love you through all that she faces each day. Father we know the devil is sitting and waiting, always trying to move us further from your love but father it is people like Sarah who are brave and share their love for you and their walk with you that help remind us of your love. Father we don’t know who her words will touch but I thank you for her and her shinning love for you. Father be with Sarah and her family this season and let her light and love for you to shine into the new year.
In Jesus we pray
Amen
Dear Anita, your sweet prayer made me cry. Thank you so much for that, I can’t even tell you how much that means to me. I think it’s such a powerful thing when we lift each other up in prayer, support each other in our walk, and pray for protection over our loved ones. Thank you for doing that for me. xoxo
Thank you for sharing this! While I started following you for fashion and decor inspiration, I’ve remained a follower because of your passion for sharing your faith and beliefs!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
thank you for sticking with me, Cathy!
“Nothing in this world brings joy or peace or security like Jesus does”!
You hit the mail on the head.
We can feel sad, angry, happy or glad, and all the while STILL have joy, peace and security. They are foundations, not just feelings!
Thank you for sharing your heart.
so true Kerin!
I started following you without knowing about your faith at all. Something just drew me to your posts. And then one day, I saw a Priscilla Shirer devotional on a table or something and I thought, “that’s it! She’s a believer and we share the same spirit- that’s what drew me to her.” So i thought I would introduce myself since we will be spending eternity together. Keep up the good words and doing what God has called you to do. Knowing Him increasingly more is the greatest of life’s endeavors! ~Pam
Oh I love Priscilla Shirer, she is such an inspiration to me!
Love everything about this! Thank you so much🥰
thank you for reading, Kim!
Yes. Totally agree. Yet we still go back to those things again and again thinking maybe this time they will bring us something more.
Beautifully written!
Thank you! Such a must but wonderful read this morning. I needed this, my heart needed this ❤️💚
thanks for taking the time to read it, Hope! merry Christmas to you. xo
Thank you for this. You are truly a beautiful soul inside and out. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family. P.s. I love your momma too.
This was so beautiful! We all need daily reminders that our earthly accomplishments only give us a fleeting joy, but when we have a relationship with God it is forever, and brings us true Joy!
amen to that, Shelli! Nothing compares to what Jesus offers. It’s truly the best feeling in the world.
The words my heart needed to hear today…
Yes indeed praise God!!!
I love reading these every week! You have such a gift! I share these devotionals with my husband because they are so relatable. Thank you for taking the time to share with us! Merry Christmas, Sarah!
Thank you so much for sharing them Amy!
Beautifully said! I needed to hear this today😌 God Bless you and may you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!!
thank you Jean, merry Christmas to you too!
These word’s couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Thank you for reminding me that Jesus is always the answer. 🩷
So glad it was encouraging to your heart, Jo!
Thank you.
Your reminder of the simplicity of being a Christ follower is such an encouragement.
Beautifully written and so very true! Merry Christmas ❤️
This is great. Way to go. Keep going. 💛