Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Once again we have a passage that I could essentially quote verbatim, but God can speak through the familiar as well as through the new. This particular verse was set to a very catchy tune over 50 years ago, and I can’t think of it without that tune running through my head. The point is the joy of confirmation. God speaks to us constantly, but our perception is spotty, and not necessarily accurate. These magi had been sure enough of what they felt God was saying that they went to the trouble and expense of a long trip, but even so, getting confirmation liked this blessed them immensely. We sometimes have similar experiences, though probably not as dramatic and even supernatural as this. Sometimes that confirmation comes long after the fact, when you get a deep assurance that you had done the right thing. Such assurances are never forgotten, and they are a deep blessing. The thing is, that’s what faith is all about. Hebrews 11:1 famously tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” When we have faith, we can have the assurance we need, even without the confirmation of external circumstances. There can be moments when the disconnect between our circumstances and what we know to be true is extreme, as when a believer is martyred and knows it is a great victory. That’s when faith really shines! We may not have a physical star to tell us we are following God, but we can have His light in our heart to give us just as much assurance. That’s not something we can work up on our own; it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-9) However, it is a gift God delights to give His faithful children, and we should receive it with joy.

As I have commented many times, I feel I have been given the gift of faith, and I could hardly be more grateful. I haven’t seen major miracles, or things like that, but I have a rock-solid assurance that God is God, and that’s all I need to know. I see things all around me that the devil wants to use to tear me down, but I also see evidence all around me of God working to fulfill His good plans, and that’s as much as I need to know. I have had some pretty wonderful prophecies spoken to me, as well as one or two I don’t look forward to, but I know they’re all in relation to this world, and as such aren’t the end of the story. God has told me to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, and the better I do that, the easier I am for Him to use, and that’s my goal. By the human calendar we are coming to the end of a year. By the solar calendar, we’ve already passed the winter solstice. Where we are on God’s calendar is something only He knows, but that’s just fine. His plans are perfect!

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for the solid night of good sleep last night. It really makes a difference in our emotions, despite the cold. Help us rejoice in the assurance of faith throughout today and each day, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!