To the Hurting Heart at Christmas

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To the Hurting Heart at Christmas,

It’s supposed to be a season filled with the magic of twinkling lights and melody of joyful carols.

It’s supposed to be a time of wistful nostalgia; reminiscing of Christmas’ long ago and memories of laughter and love.

It’s supposed to be a time to celebrate life with those you love, to savor their presence and to be thankful for the gift of them.

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

But sometimes it’s not.

Sometimes it’s a season of anger and bitterness if you’re unable to relinquish the demons of the past.

Sometimes it’s the sting of divorce and the severing of a deep bond.

Sometimes it’s the ache of grief and of good-byes that happened too soon.

Sometimes it’s the loneliness of the season and a reminder that you are alone.

Sometimes it’s pang of longing as you wait for the blessing of a child.

Sometimes it’s the overwhelming fear that money is scarce and times are tough.

Sometimes Christmas isn’t happy and joyful.

Sometimes Christmas hurts.

While life is crashing in around you, may these truths below can help lift your spirit and ease your burden.

 

Be Still

The world of today says our holiday should be packed with party after party and with smiling selfies to document the fun we’re having. When your heart aches and you’re feeling burdened, the Christmas spirit may be hard to come by.

That’s ok.

Find time away from the hustle and bustle of it all to simply be still and refocus your heart.

Be still, but know that God is there with you every step of the way.

No amount of anger, longing or grief  is too much for the King of Kings to take.

In fact, He promises that when we still ourselves before His presence, He will provide peace.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

In that stillness,  He will hold your heart in His mighty hands and whisper promises of His faithfulness.

You are not alone.

 

Keep perspective

Did you know God allows all of the details of your life to filter through His loving hands?  Did you know that God has a plan for this entire world and even for your life?

In the dark times, it’s hard to remember that a gracious and good God has everything under control, especially when life seems out of control.

While you may never know why He allows certain circumstances, you can be confident that He has a plan and He knows what He’s doing.

Has has eternity in His sight, while your earthly view is limited.

Rest in His peace, knowing that nothing takes Him by surprise.

So when life doesn’t make sense and it seems as though He’s made a mistake, trust in the promise of Isaiah 55: 8-9,

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Take comfort in knowing that His ways are perfect and that, “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful”, even when it’s not a path you would have chosen. {Psalm 25:10}

Hold on to Hope

Sometimes when you’re surrounded by hurt, you feel engulfed by darkness.

That darkness is a place filled with fear, and without hope.

That darkness is exactly where the evil one wants you to be.

He wants you paralyzed with fear and focused only on the problems at hand.

His goal is to fill you with lies and leave you hopeless.

It’s easy to lose sight of God’s light when you allow the darkness to consume, and you believe the lies of the evil one.

But the hope of the Lord provides a glorious light that will fill even the darkest spaces of a hurting heart.

The hope of the Lord does not disappoint, fills you with joy and peace, and satisfies a longing soul.

So in those times when all seems lost, remember that God will provide you with hope in Him alone, even in moments of pain and suffering.

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:6,8

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

 

Reach out to those in need

The world is full of hurt and sorrow.  When your own life has been turned upside down, it’s easy to curl up in a protective shell and forget there are others who suffer as well.

Make it a point, no matter how much you hurt, to help someone in need.

You will bless the other soul when you lend a helping hand, and sometimes, reaching out can be a step towards healing for your own heart.

No matter how hard it may be, be a blessing to someone else.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another about yourselves. ” Romans 12:10

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13

Friend, while I don’t know the burden you carry and the load you’re called to bear,  I do know you are loved and cherished by a gracious God.

In fact, whether or not you realize it, He gave you the best gift of all many years ago.

This priceless gift came in the form of of a baby, innocent and pure, who continued to walk a blameless life and loved you enough to lay down His life for you.

While you hurt now and you ache with fear, God is still on His throne, and whispering YOUR name.

He wants wants you to accept the gift He’s graciously extending to YOU; eternal life with Him and the ability to rest in His perfect peace here on earth.

May you find grab a hold of His mighty hand, and allow Him to guide you through this merry season and into a place of healing for the new year.

I am praying for YOU!

Love,

Your Sister in Christ

In what ways is Christmas hard for you?  Have you or someone you love suffered a loss or a hurt, making Christmas painful?  How can I pray for you?

This post was shared with my friends at Mom’s Morning Coffee, Purposeful Faith, SITS Sharefest