I remember putting away my Christmas decorations a year ago, feeling sad and anxious. She was clutching the paper snowflake her granddaughter had made, as if she was trying to hold it all together.
Sadly, the weeks that followed were filled with exactly the kind of heartache and sadness we had prayed for. Maybe that’s why I didn’t have the energy to take out the decorations this year. Christmas isn’t all that fun and I’m having a hard time finding the motivation to do the things I usually do.
The good news is that I am praying more than ever, relying on the Bible every day, and seeking the joy of the Lord as my strength. These are the keys to getting through the grief and disappointment, and I know they will continue to be key in the healing process.
What about you, friend? If you’re not feeling so merry this Christmas and are wondering how to move forward with joy, here are some encouragements to keep in mind.
it is temporary
“This season is only temporary,” I tell myself. I believe that one day I will be able to take a full breath and let out all my worries and sorrows. I can look back and see how God worked through every tear, every disappointment, and every “unanswered” prayer.
My friend, whatever you are experiencing is temporary. Nothing lasts forever on this earth. Despite the pain, you can trust that God will get you through and help you grow. In fact, focusing on growth and maturity allows you to focus on what matters most.
Here are some questions to help you ponder.
Is this situation building my faith?
Am I learning something new?
Am I stronger than before?
Without this trial, would you have made the necessary changes?
Seeing things from God’s perspective is a powerful way to endure trials. If you can cooperate with what God is working in you, it will be easier to accept the situation as temporary.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “This light and temporary suffering has a weight of unparalleled eternal glory when we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are invisible. For the things that are seen are fleeting, but the things that are invisible are eternal.” (ESV)
Understand that this unpleasant season won’t last forever. The Lord is working out all things for your good and His glory. Trust that God will get you through it stronger and more faithful than before.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to your eternal purpose and help me understand that this trial is temporary. In the holy name of Jesus, amen.
God meets you where you are
The conversations I’ve had with God lately have been more honest and open than ever. I cried, begged, and asked questions, which is something I don’t usually do. But what I realized is that our good Father meets us where we are. In His love and grace, God invites us to sit at His feet and tell Him all about our fears and failures.
What comfort to know that we don’t have to reach a certain level of faith to commune with the Lord. We can come to the throne of grace as we are and receive mercy when we need it.
Hebrews 4:16 (AMP) says: “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace (that is, the throne of God’s mercy) with confidence and fearlessness (with the privilege), so that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find (God’s amazing) grace to help us in our time of need (the right blessing to come at the right moment).”
The blessed privilege of entering into God’s holy presence can never be taken for granted. We can approach the throne of God with confidence because of who we are, Jesus, the Son of God. There is no fear of rejection, rejection, or dismissal. Our merciful Father lavishes on us His love and blessings, the blessings of amazing grace.
This Christmas, take your worries, hurts, and disappointments to the One who loves you and meets you where you are. He is waiting for you with open arms.
Holy God, thank you for your open invitation to meet with you. I sit expectantly at Your feet, clothed in the beautiful garments of justice and peace. In the name of Jesus, amen.
believe in something greater
Even though Christmas isn’t as merry this year, we can still trust God for greater things. This is called “hope.”
Here are some scriptures to help strengthen your hope and faith in what God can do.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will spread their wings like eagles and soar.
They can run and not get tired, and they can walk and not faint. ” (Isaiah 40:31)
“May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace of faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV).
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV).
Dare to trust God for greater things. Believe that beyond the pain of your current situation, God can bring beauty out of ashes and joy out of sadness. Jesus is your kind and merciful Father who loves to bless his children. Put your hope in the Lord.
Lord, it is difficult to see beyond this moment, but I believe that You are paving a brighter path for me. My hope is in You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Here’s a fun way to celebrate
This year might be the year to expand your horizons and try new ways to celebrate. If you’re used to staying home for Christmas, consider taking a short road trip or traveling abroad. If you often host holiday dinners, consider passing it on to another family member. Doing things differently may be just what you need to recover and rediscover joy.
Here are some ideas to bring back some “joyfulness” to Christmas.
• Drive through the outdoor Nativity display or join the festive parade.
• Go ice skating or snowshoeing.
• Become “Santa” to a family in need.
• Serve at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter on Christmas morning.
Changing your daily routine may help you overcome sadness and depression. Trying something new, doing something different, and focusing on something else can help you get through the tough holiday season with unexpected joy.
My friend, whatever is stealing your joy this Christmas, know that you are not alone. Many people are walking through grief right now. However, please note that it is temporary. God is with you in everything. You can trust God for greater things.
Merciful Heavenly Father, I pray that You would shine the light of Your love into the hearts of those reading this today and give them the peace they seek. Remind them that no matter what they are facing, you are with them and have not abandoned them. Lord, settle all things for their benefit and restore to them what was lost. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
Other resources to help you on your journey:
When Christmas isn’t so fun
10 Christmas Prayers to Pray This Holiday Season
5 ways to beat the holiday blues
Photo credit: Unsplash/freestocks
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
