It's Okay...

Someone pointed out yesterday that not everyone is in a festive mood this time of the year. In my own personal case, I must admit that I've allowed circumstances to steal too much of my joy for this entire year. No complaints...it's just true. But in truth, I know (that I don't really know) just how much I have to be tankful for. I've decided that this will stop now, and I will praise God for all that he's given me, and also for the many unseen blessings and mercies all around.

But right now, some of you are going through deep hurts that are far beyond just complaining or grumbling. Some of you have lost a loved one, perhaps several, and the loss of them has left a wound that makes this time of the year especially painful.

Some of you are greatly struggling financially, and even the necessities seem like luxuries now, at this time when so much money is spent on special things like no other time of the year. Some of you have children who are going through great hurts and you'd give anything if you could wipe them all away and make it better. Some of you are going through the heartbreak of divorce, and this Christmas your family will seem fractured, and you're wondering how to paste a smile anyway. Some of you are grieving the loss of a dream, and maybe you're thinking you should get over it already, because God knows what he's doing, right? Some have terrible anxiety right now because they've been dreading "the most wonderful time of the year": The anxiety is too much. Too much arguing, too much strife, too much worrying about pleasing everyone. Too much to do, and not enough time or money to do it. Too much noise!

Some of you are ill or injured, and will be in the hospital this Christmas day. You'd like all the comfort foods of Christmas, but instead it might be Jello...maybe IV fluids. Some of you have regret because you've tried to heal a breech with someone, and cannot...and the sting is at it's worst this time of year. Still, some, know they NEED to heal a breech with someone, and their own pride and hurt is choking them (perhaps yours is as well). Maybe they are genuinely too afraid to reach out...perhaps there's too many old wounds involved. Some of you are dealing with disability (whether it's your own or someone else's.). You know God has a plan, but in all honesty, you sometimes wanna shake a fist at him and ask why. Certain one's are dealing with a person who embodies Mr. Scrooge, and they can't tell which is worse: Having to be them, or be around them! For some people, that is their boss. Some of you face losing (or have lost) a beloved pet, and missing this family member is more painful when families are supposed to be together. Some of you have anger and regret, because you've wasted too much time on something or somebody that just was not healthy for you. Now you feel betrayed. Maybe you're even angry with God because you've trusted him and waited on him, and now you feel as though there are "blisters" on your heart. You've been wrung out like a sponge, and something in your very SOUL seems dried up. Some have found out that someone dear to them is leaving, and it's got them in pieces. Still others are facing an unexpected crisis...this Christmas will not be the joyous occasion they had hoped.

This is for all of you, who instead of being merry this time of year, you just need a good cry...maybe several. It's okay. Shut everything off, cancel what you need to, put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door...IT's OKAY. Play 3 songs: "Better Than A Halelujah," by Amy Grant, "Hold Me Jesus" (also by her, but others had covered it too), and "I Still Believe" by Jeremy Camp. This may not seem like much, but these songs seem to speak to really needing God's grace in those deep hurts that sometimes are thorns that we must walk around with.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."--Psalm 34:18 NLT

"The voice of my sorrow is a weariness to me. I make my bed wet with weeping; it is watered by the drops flowing from my eyes." --Psalm 6:6 BBE (Bible in basic English).

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I shall give you rest." --Matthew 11:28 (NIV).

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth, he never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak, and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength; they'll soar high on the wings like eagles; they'll run and not grow weary...they'll walk and not faint."

--Philippians 28:31 (NIV)

Keep walking...one step at a time. He knows. He cares. He's felt everything we feel!

I wonder how many times Jesus himself had to paste on a smile too.

Hang in there my friend. You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. I personally believe that he's not opposed to any screaming fits as long as they don't hurt you or anyone else. :). So let it out! (safely).
My hope is that you'll find restoration and be able to praise him in the quiet afterward.

((((HUGS))))