Defeat the Grinch
This is the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve got Jesus, family, friends, Christmas trees, lights and great moments with others. Holidays give us so many opportunities: to be thankful, to to reflect on all God has done in our lives, to end one year and then start another. We’ve all seen the goodness of God this year. His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness! This alone is amazing when we think of all we face in a year.
It’s my hope this is the best Christmas ever for you and those around you! I know many of us face tough times and overwhelming feelings and emotions this time of year. People of all walks of life are dealing with many types of struggles, and yet the Hope of our lives and our world is present. This doesn’t disavow the things we battle, but rather it gives the answer to the situation.
One telling Christmas tradition is the idea of the Grinch. This character steals the joy & gifts and quenches the spirit of the holidays. He’s the enemy to this time of the year; however, we all face a Grinch in our lives. His attempt is to steal, kill and destroy. His intent is harm and devastation – but Jesus is greater.
In fact, Jesus has defeated this Grinch and conquered him forever. We have hope in our lives through His spirit, and no weapon formed against us will prosper. We worship the King who came as a baby, grew into a man, and died only to rise again as a triumphant Savior. This is the lover of our souls and the healer of our lives. He restores what is broken and mends what is torn. In the middle of all this, what’s amazing is that He loves everyone the same.
Because of this great hope, we must decide to defeat the Grinch.
It’s up to us to invoke the authority and victory of Jesus in our lives. No one can do this for us. It is our responsibility to live the best we can for Him. Our Grinch wreaks havoc with drama, pain, isolation, depression and so much more. These are real things attacking real people, and yet there is Hope that is greater than hopelessness. It’s Jesus! He is patient and kind. He is powerful and humble. He is tender and strong. He is faithful and steady; therefore, no matter what you are facing, He is able.
Are you facing a Grinch today? If so, how do you defeat him?
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10
I know this may sound simple, but it’s truth. The main way we defeat the Grinch is through the name of Jesus. His name carries all the authority and power we need. At the mention of His name there is power. When we say Jesus, something happens that is beyond our ability and strength. His name empowers angels to move on our behalf. His name declares His victory over the Grinch. His name speaks for us and defends us. His name is mighty and undefeated and when we use it in prayer or a declaration, there is power in it. I encourage you this Christmas season to say the name of Jesus over your life. Say it over your circumstance and over your prayers. Worship Him, speak to Him, get close to Him and take time to hear Him.
Notice in our verse, it’s His name that’s a fortress and we can run into it and be safe. So picture, when you say “Jesus,” you’re entering into a fortress of safety, empowerment and peace. Nothing is greater than Jesus, so when you’re in this fortress you are safe and completely protected. The Grinch has nothing on you. He can’t touch you in Jesus (see 1 John 5:18). He’s a defeated Grinch and when you say, “Jesus,” you are putting him in his place and establishing your position as a child of God. So no matter how the Grinch is attacking you, rise up and say “Jesus” to the circumstance.
Don’t quit! Don’t give up, and don’t stop saying His name. Determine you’re going to have a great Christmas. Your holidays are going to be the best you can make them, and you’re going to defeat the Grinch.
The name of Jesus is a light that the shadows can’t deny. His name shall not be overcome.
Merry Christmas and the best is yet to come,
– PD
