We are all waiting for something. For the end of pain, for a spouse, for a child… And so we look to the Christmas story and ask: What does the story of Christmas have to say to weary waiters?

Temptation towards sin is only one battle ground for Satan in the life of a Christian. The other place of temptation is after you have fallen.

We all bring objections to God’s love for us. The question is, what does God do with our objections?

Perhaps you do not doubt that God forgives and still loves you when you sin. But have you bought into a more subtle theological error? The idea that when you sin, when you fall, when you are at your weakest, you receive a “lesser measure” of grace, than you do when you are faithful and strong?

Perhaps one of the reasons some of us struggle so deeply to grasp the grace of God is because we are not comfortable receiving.

As you look back on 2019, you might find that what fills you is regret over your sins and mistakes. Here are six anchors that will hold you amidst the waves of regret.

It takes God no more power to save Kanye West than it does to save me and you. The moment we think we were easier to save, we have become disillusioned to our own sinfulness. Kanye is the lost sheep Jesus left the 99 for, and so are you.

If I fall again, will He be there to pick me up? Can we find hope in the wake of committing the deepest and darkest sins of our lives? After the affair. After the adultery. After the murder. After the deception. When we are most disillusioned about our own salvation because of our depravity, this is when the doctrine of the atonement and mediation shine brightest.

When everything else seems lacking, look to Jesus. Get your eyes off of yourself, off your circumstances, and look into the face of Jesus. For there, “ the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace”

I’m far more sinful, broken, and weak than I want to be. Do you still love me?

We sin, we feel shame, that shame leads us to run away from God and others in isolation, then the isolation leaves us empty. Thus, turning to sin we begin the cycle again. Where do we go when we are trapped in this hell of a cycle?

A song for the discouraged soul. It is not your hold of Christ that saves, but His hold of you.

Nights full of lonely accusatory questions aimed at yourself. “Am I even a Christian, does God love me anymore?” Your sin, like a desert, drying up every bit of hopeful water you have. Where do we turn when this is where we find ourselves?

His love for you was never given based on your goodness. He loved you, wanted you, and sent His son to die for you while you were rebellious. He’s not going to leave you now. There is massive hope for you. Keep going back to the cross. To the one who does not deal with us according to our sins, but abounds in steadfast (long suffering) love and mercy.