KEEP YOUR PEACE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

I awoke from a dream about chaos and garbage and disorder.  My heart beat fast and I felt extremely anxious knowing I had to clean it all up.  I lay still for a few moments dwelling on the dream and its obvious meaning….the pressure and chaos of the holidays were taking a tole on me.

Then just as suddenly, God gave me a vision …. I saw myself sitting in bed and instantly a bright beam of light came down and covered me.  It focused on me like a laser.  It was about eight feet wide and I knew God was focused on me and bathing me in His light.  The beam then turned into a protective bubble around me made out of a hard, clear shell.  I could then see myself sitting at my desk, writing on the computer with this protective shield all around me and I saw that I was happy and content and peaceful.

As I continued watching the vision I saw three demons on top of my bubble pounding on it and stomping on it and kicking to get inside so they could attack and torment me.  They were angry and screaming and were working furiously to get in and attack me but I saw that they couldn’t even dent the Lord’s shield around me.  I continued to see myself still sitting peacefully and full of joy in spite of the fury and chaos going on in the spiritual world around me.

As the vision continued to unfold, I smiled and thanked God for His protection.  Suddenly, the vision became more urgent as God allowed me to actually hear the voices of the demons screaming, “Let me in, let me in, let me in!” as they continued to frantically beat on my bubble to get at me.  However, I wasn’t afraid because I knew I was in a bubble of God’s mighty protection.  I knew instinctively that they would never be able to get at me as long as I had God.  A verse from the Bible came into my mind, “How I love you, Lord!  You are my defender.   The Lord is my protector; He is my strong fortress.  My God is my protection, and with him I am safe.  He protects me like a shield; He defends me and keeps me safe.  I call to the Lord, and He saves me from my enemies.  Praise the Lord.”  Psalm 18:1-3.

As I continued watching and listening to the demons I whispered “Jesus” and suddenly the demons were knocked off of my bubble and thrown through the air back about ten feet.  I saw them get up and come running back and jump on top of my bubble, again beating and screaming furiously, like maniacs, to get at me.  I called out “Jesus” a little louder and again they were thrown back off of my bubble; this time violently like a grenade had blown them off.  They didn’t immediately come running back but stood almost at attention.  I then spoke louder the name of “Jesus” and they were gone.  No more demons.  I looked around (inside my vision) and all I could see were trees, beautiful, lush green pine trees as in a forest setting.  God tells us there’s power in the name of Jesus! – “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.” Romans 10:13.   Call on the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and He will save you!

I knew that God was sending me a clear message – no matter what’s going on in my life, He has me in the palm of His hand.  He is protecting me and watching over me and is there at every turn.  I need only to focus on Him, to call out His name, and His power will fill my soul, my senses, and my surroundings.

We all are experiencing the rush and chaos of the season and feeling the financial stresses of trying to buy a gift for everyone on our list.  It’s almost impossible in this world to stop and even think about why we do this “Christmas” thing.   Ads of all the new electronic gadgets are bombarding us … do I buy my son an X-Box, an MP3, an Iphone 5S or an Ipad mini?  When did we start speaking in a different language?!!  I have no clue what most of these things are.  So many choices.  I can’t even go buy my son a pair of Levi’s – do I buy the Levi’s boot cut, slim thigh, 501’s, 514’s?  Even underwear is confusing.  I used just have to ask myself, “Do I buy white briefs or navy blue?”  Now…. does he want Ralph Lauren, Hanes, Underarmor?  Briefs, boxer briefs, boxer briefs mid-thigh?  Black, red, or lime green with a navy trim?  Finally I decided everyone is getting a gift card!

After all the pressure and rush of the season, I’m thankful that God is with me and I’m under His protection.  At any time I can picture myself back in my protective bubble and dwell in God’s peaceful presence.

Lord, this season is about You and Your birth as You came into our lives to save us and share Your wonderful love with us.  Help us to remember our limits and our boundaries.  We can only do so much.  If I don’t get all the presents bought, all the cookies baked, all the cards written and mailed, You will still love me.  My family will still need me and I know the stores are never going to run out of underwear.  I can even buy them after Christmas!

My friends, I encourage you to focus on Christ this year.  Take a few precious moments at the start of each day to just BE with Him.  Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  Be still and quiet with Jesus; let Him fill you with His peace and love and joy.  Visualize his laser-focused light on you as He forms that protective bubble around you.

Praise God as you realize that He brought Jesus into the world to save you and to love you!