Hurting Through the Holidays

It’s no secret that life is full of ups and downs. We have really hard days, weeks, months, and even years (hey, 2020!) But we also have really wonderful days, weeks, months, and years! I’ve always kind of thought that it had to be one or the other. Joy or sorrow. Beauty or broken. Easy or tough. Good or bad. But I’ve learned…*ahem* am still learning… that most oftentimes they coincide. Joy with sorrow. Beauty in the broken. Easy and tough. Good through the bad.

I really do remember in times past thinking that ev-er-y-thing had to be just perfect for life to be good. And honestly that just isn’t true nor is that healthy. We know nothing will ever be perfect this side of Heaven. But we also know that even when life isn’t very good — HE IS! And that doesn’t change with the ups and downs of life. I’m so thankful that God is constant in a world that isn’t!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
‭‭Hebrews 13:8

As you know, Veterans Day was last week. Colten had the day off and we had a fun day. My husband is very modest in the fact that he won’t usually even ask for a military discount, but on Veterans Day — you better watch out! He eats alllllll that free food! 👏🏼 One of our favorite traditions is going to Cracker Barrel in the evening and sharing a slice of coke cake & coffee. Decaf, because we like our sleep! This year, we did just that all while walking through some scary health tests. We didn’t have answers to bring relief and I’ll be the first to tell you how good I am at stressing over unanswered health tests. But this time around, we simply chose to enjoy the day trusting that the Lord had control over the situation. And what a sweet + fun day we had! Maybe it’s a silly illustration, but I think it gets the point across. Life is far from perfect and each of us walk through our own share of difficulties. But it is possible to enjoy the good even through the bad. How? Because we don’t have to endure it alone. We have a loving Savior who gives us His presence & His Word which provides us peace, comfort + joy even in the midst of difficulties.

And now… the holidays are upon us. Just one week from today is Thanksgiving! As the saying goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for some, this holiday season is accompanied by trials & pain. So how do we handle hurting through the holidays? Honestly, the things I share below aren’t just for the holidays — but year round ideas for us as believers. It’s not about the absence of pain but the presence of Jesus. So what we can do? Let’s take a look! ⬇️

1. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You know the story of Peter walking on water. When did he begin to sink? When he took his eyes off of Jesus. Isn’t that true of us? We feel like we are sinking when we focus more on the problems around us rather than keeping our eyes on Him. Fix your gaze on Jesus and watch how all other things will grow dim in comparison.

2. Hide Scripture in your heart. Nothing can bring comfort like God’s Word. Memorize it. Keep it on a note card in a spot you’ll see often. Let it seep into your heart & mind. Dwell on Scripture not your difficulties.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬

3. Surround yourself with praying friends. What a gift to have friends that will lift you up before the throne in your time of need. Be willing to share your difficulties with them so they can better pray for you. And be that praying friend to someone else!

4. Count your blessings. Truthfully, we are so blessed. The list is endless. Start with writing down 3 blessings each day. I know you will have a hard time stopping after 3!

5. Look for ways to bless/encourage others. Taking our eyes off of ourselves and looking for ways to help others really can make a world of difference. And not just for you — but for those you choose to invest in.

6. Remember His faithfulness in the past. Like me, I’m sure you can look back and see times that He has been faithful even when life was difficult. Thank Him for those times and let it be a reminder that He who was faithful then will continue to be faithful now.

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23

“O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:8‬

7. Enjoy today, trusting Him for tomorrow. As the saying goes, don’t let tomorrows troubles steal your joy for today. Don’t fret over what you can’t control. Enjoy today, resting in the Truth that He will walk with you through all your tomorrows.

Are you hurting this holiday season? In a perfect world, there would be no trials, pain, or hurting. But in our very imperfect world, we have been given a perfect Savior. Sometimes in our search for a remedy — we forget that He is the remedy! Because of Him, we can experience joy with sorrow. Beauty in the broken. Good through the bad. How? Because HE is the joy. HE is the beauty. HE is the good.

Happy Holiday season, friends! (Thanksgiving included, I’m not skipping it, y’all! 😉 🦃 )

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:7‬

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:13-14