Devotionals for the Heart: How to rest in God as the source of joy and peace

Good News in the Suffering
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

The year 2024 ended differently for me.

Twelve days before Christmas, my mom had a stroke. I complained to God about my mom because this is the third time I have had to take care of a stroke for a family member. My grandma was first, my husband with his brain cancer, and then my mom. Suddenly, I had to carry all the burdens one more time—from finances to preparing her back from the hospital, preparing all the medical equipment and caretaker for her because she could no longer be independent since she was half-paralyzed. Additionally, I don't get to see my children this year. The best thing we did was a video call from three different countries. It was challenging, but it eased my heart.

I had planned my December and kept myself busy since I knew I could not spend it with my children. Last year was the first time we all had to celebrate Christmas alone. So, I agreed to join the choir ensemble and sing for Christmas Eve. But when my mom was hospitalized, I almost gave up all of them. I missed the practice. I was tired and invested in my problem. My spirit was crushed, and I didn't feel like doing anything. I was angry.

Suddenly, the rush from the past overloaded my mind. I am trying not to repeat the same pattern. The old me would give in to the situation and paralyze myself with the big problem in front of me. Then I thought, I need to learn to calm down in this situation since this isn't new to me. The unfortunate tragedy happened during the most joyous season when everybody looked forward to celebrating Christmas and the holidays. While debating how to deal with this situation, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 popped up in my mind to remind that God tells us to “Rejoice always!” It says always, not telling you to rejoice only in certain circumstances. Then it says to pray continually, and we were asked to keep praying and to give thanks in all circumstances. Again, it says all. Not “pick and choose” certain circumstances.

While meditating on that verse, I could feel the many changes within me. I decided to put my burdens and anger in God’s hands. I started to give thanks for all the things that happened in that short period. With all my strength, I went to church and finished what I started. When I sang “Joy to the World” for the first time, it resonated with my life. I realized that despite my problems, Jesus still comes to give joy to the world, no matter our circumstances. He is here to share the joy, the good news.

The new year is here and some of us may be facing 2025 with uncertainty. I am sure most of us have anxiety about wondering what is next in life. But with the perspective of God as our Heavenly Father, we can rest in that He is the source of joy. We can rely on Him. Joy should always be in our hearts, and that gives us peace.

Let's Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are an amazing God whose very presence promises to bring peace into our lives. I want to surrender my life to You. Thank You for holding me in the palm of Your Hand and never letting me go. Thank You that I don't have to take on all the burdens in this life alone. Please forgive my unbelief and doubt that you can give me joy in the hardship when life is overwhelming and tough. You tell us to give thanks in all circumstances so You can give us joy. Thank You for always being with me and holding my hands. May Your will be done in my life. I love you, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (song) conducted by John Rutter. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.