Are you tired and sad at heart this Christmas season when you crave fulfillment of joy? That can be a hard burden to bear. There’s help for that!
Do you have desires in your heart that you aren‘t seeing come to pass? I know I do. I can get very discouraged and think things I shouldn’t think and do things I shouldn’t do. But by the grace of God, He talks to me and I hear Him. He leads me to repentance through His kindness, Romans 2:4. So, grateful.
I’m far from perfect. I have mornings that I wake up and drag myself out of bed, tired and blue. Especially when the Christmas season is all about hope, love, joy, and new beginnings, and I’m allowing the swirling doubts and unbelief going on around me to lose my footing. But the good news is I know I have a Redeemer, and He lives!! That’s what helps me stay the course, time and time again.
Galatians 6:9 tells us to not grow weary in doing good, that when we stay the course, we will reap a harvest. The clincher is, we can’t give up. I want to reap a harvest of family, friends, and others that are living a life that is free and whole. But as one of my favorite authors, John Eldridge writes about in Waking the Dead, “we are in a world at war.” That war started in the Garden of Eden and finished at the Cross. We just have to receive it.
Most of us experience hurtful situations we have a tough time recovering from. Many times it’s because of traumas we don’t recognize as harmful. Emotional neglect is a big one. These traumas lead to shame that provokes us to believe things God isn’t saying about us. They drive us to accept lies like I’m not safe, no one loves me, I’m not bright enough, I don’t measure up, and many others. It strips us of our identity and joy.
That’s why getting into the Psalms, Song of Solomon, and the New Testament will teach you about the love of God and what He has for us. A love so abundant that He gave His only begotten son. His course is to live a life full of the plans and purposes He has for us, not destruction. That’s our God!
There’s a book I’d like to recommend, Hinds Feet in High Places by Hannah Hurnard. It’s an allegory about a woman that lives in fear and shame. Through her journey with the Chief Shepherd, she’s restored and healed from being crippled and filled with fear. It’s a perfect holiday read!
Your earthly father may not be kind. Your earthly mother may not have nurtured you as God intended. Your friends may not support you when you stumble. But I have experienced repeatedly, the love and kindness of my Savior. He will not leave you or forsake you when you cry out to Him. Receive the gift God gave you and be at peace and rest with Jesus, John 3:16.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and Hope for Peace in the New Year,
Tanya
Have you lost your footing and can’t seem to stay the course? I encourage you to reach out and seek help. Read the Word of God, ask for His grace and strength to get up and continue on. You’re needed for such a time as this!
Please leave a comment if you need help to get back up. Nothing is impossible with God, Matthew 26:9!
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