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I always looked forward to my husband surprising me on Christmas morning with One Last Gift. He would keep one tucked away until everyone had opened their gifts. One year it was lovely leather gloves, another year it was carefully chosen earrings, and once it was an incredible kitchen mixer!

Do you have some Christmas memories from your past? Maybe from childhood or as a young married couple? Did your parents save back that most precious doll you had wanted so badly as a child? Or did your husband reveal something small but appreciated, knowing it was out of your price range?

It is still Christmas week so let’s see what One Last Gift God has for us, tucked away, until all the other presents are opened. The trash is cleared away. The clothes are set aside. What would He have for me?

This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life.
Psalm 119:50 ESV

I want to “unwrap” this “gift” with you today, Sister.

This: What is? God’s promises, which are fulfilled in Christ, our Savior, Immanuel (God with US!).

Is: Today, not just yesterday or someday. In my current circumstances.

My: This is personal, for ME and for YOU and for us to share with others.

Comfort: Sounds like a cozy fluffy robe and slippers! Now that’s a gift I can wrap up in!

Affliction: Troubles, hurts, misery, distress. This is everyone who is living and breathing on earth.

Troubles happened before our widowhood, and it will even happen after widowhood.

That’s why we can give this verse to anyone for encouragement.

Your Promise: Our comfort is based in His Words and not in our bank account or our relationships or in the waiting for that healing that seems elusive. What promise has He given us to bring comfort during our most difficult times? I found that in my most difficult seasons of life, I have had to lean into God by digging into the Psalms and other scripture passages. I would journal by writing down the truths I read so I could return to it often and be encouraged. Here are some verses that you can start with:

• Matthew 11:28
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Isaiah 40:29-31
• Romans 8:37-39
• Romans 6:23
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Isaiah 41:10
• Psalm 34:4

Give Me: God’s Word is not just for the preacher on the radio or TV or just for that skid row sinner. God’s Word is for ME; to convict me, to instruct me, to guide me, and to show me God’s character.

Life: Really? Live again after the biggest loss of life? You might be the youngest widow on record and think your life is over. You might be the oldest widow on record and think you lived once but not now. Sister, life is today. You are given this day as a gift from your Maker. He gives us Scripture, like manna, for today. Our lives must still be lived because God is still giving us breath.

In a conversation with a friend recently, we were discussing ways we were able to be comforted by Scripture. During the first months of his loss, listening to Scripture on CDs at night helped him fall asleep. Falling asleep with the Psalms or another book of the Bible comforted his mind instead of rethinking medical decisions or focusing on the “what ifs”. What a practical way to allow God’s promises to comfort us in our affliction.

I love how God saves One Last Gift for us to open after our Christmas celebrations. This gift is actually the one our souls long for above every other earthly gift. God says today: You are loved. You are treasured. You are special. You are strong. You are His. No other gift can say all that.

Lord God, thank You for Your promises to me from Your Scriptures. Give me perspective today on my circumstances. Help me turn to Your Word to comfort me and not relationships or food or other false comforts. Only You give true and lasting peace. Amen