The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
December 1st. I’m amazed! The date on the calendar shows we have just entered the last month of the calendar year. As I listen to conversations all around me I recognize, I’m not the only one who feels this year has raced past as a hare to beat the tortoise.
Regardless here I am on December 1st trying to wrap my brain around the idea of Christmas. I don’t feel at all like celebrating Christmas in a traditional American sense. Our hearts are too broken and our spirit is crushed. 
Thankfully, our Father has an answer for this condition. The Lord Himself, He says He is close to those of us who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. These few words bring such comfort and draw me back to a time as a baby girl when I would enjoy curling up on a protective lap.
Today I am focusing in on the nearness of God through His Spirit – His indwelling presence. I have to stop and really concentrate on the fact that He is not just hanging around the house with me – though He is Emmanuel, God with us – He lives IN me.
Father, thank You for being near us in our crushed brokenness. Thank You, Jesus, for knowing better than anyone else what that feels like. May I – we – be so tangibly aware of Your presence as we draw near the celebration of Your birth this year – 2017. For Your glory… for Your glory, and for our healing and purification. Amen.

Linking up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday community of faith writers today. Kate’s word to ponder and write about: {near}
Come join us today. Ponder the word {near} Set your timer for 5 minutes and write with us.
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Published by Lisa Brittain
I am an avid follower of Jesus. I have been since my early twenties when I met Him personally and received dramatic healing in my body and mind. After many years of marriage and raising sons into the teen years, I was challenged to explore the duplicity of my spoken faith followed up by fearful actions.
I received the challenge presented by both of my sons. They love me and so they dared to confront me with the truth. Chips off my proverbial block! I determined then {more than a decade ago} to overcome fear with faith that was more than words.
In my late 40's I made a decision to leave the desert wandering behind and set out to pursue the abundant life Jesus promised His disciples. I am a tentmaker {actually a reupholsterer} by day, which helps to support the call God has on my life to serve Him in my community. I thoroughly enjoy my work. Repairing and restoring throw-away furniture is a fulfilling creative outlet. More so, my Cheer House Repair and Restore business opens the door for me to interact with my community.
My passion is to walk so closely to Jesus that others want to know Him too. I love to introduce women to Him as we walk, talk, and work together hand in hand through everyday life. Nothing thrills me more than to watch someone fall so in love with Jesus through His word and conversation; learning to trust His heart and receive His great love!
I have been married to my dear man for over 30 rollercoaster years. We're simply thrilled that our latter days are more joyful and purposeful than our first. Together we have two - grown young men on their own journeys. Additionally, we share our home with 3 lively rescue pups.
I look forward to having you join me on this journey of faith...
Bold feet, humble heart
Psalm 131 ~
Lisa
View all posts by Lisa Brittain
Precious verses to remember when grief mixes with our holiday “spirit”…..
Thanks, Jennifer, for stopping by and for adding value to our conversation here at Eyes on Jesus.💜☕🏡
Thank you for sharing this sweet sentiment. I am glad I read it today.
I needed this reminder, today. Thank you.
Me too, Phyllis. Thank you for spending some of your precious time with me today!
“…He is not just hanging around the house with me – though He is Emmanuel, God with us – He lives IN me.”
Isn’t it strange how we know this, yet we struggle to remember? Reading your sentence here startled me. God is always with me. As you say, in me. He chose me and made His home in me. What a comfort that is.
Thank you, Marie! I appreciate you spending time here with me. Bless you, friend, with the awe and wonder in spirit and in truth of Jesus, our Savior!
I quoted this verse too! It is so comforting to remember that he is with us, especially when we feel broken. I think Emmanuel is probably my favourite name of God!
Lisa, I join you in training ourselves to continually receive Him. Looking forward to more of you posts this month. Blessings on your Friday, Julie
Thanks, Julie!! You’re simply precious
My favorite part of the Advent season is that the meaning of Emmanuel is God with us. Yes, he’s with us through all the messy. Stopping by from #fmf.
I might be learning the best truest meaning of Christmas this year!
Thanks for spending your precious time here with me. With you on the journey.💔