Pages: 1
The other side of the Holiday
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: angelofthelord
(Joshua 1:5)
While we usually think of this time of year
as a time of being with family and friends, a time of great joy, the fact is
for many it is one of the worst times of the year. Many people dread the
holiday season because for many reasons they are alone, and feel left out of
the festivities associated with the Christmas season. It is the time of
year when suicides are at their highest. Being alone takes on a new
significance during the holidays. I am writing this today for those
of you reading these words who feel this way today. You don't have the joy, you don't have the Christmas spirit, because you are alone.
First of all, I want to remind you as God
told Joshua, as the Lord told his disciples.."I will never leave you nor
forsake you." The fact is, God is always with us. While that fact is
comforting, it still does not alleviate the loneliness many feel from a lack
of human companionship. In the Book of Hebrews, God commanded that we "not forsake the fellowship of one another."
That means being part of a local church. You see, one of the important
facets of being part of a local church, is that it is a source of
fellowship. It is where we can find people of like faith, who become part of our life. While many of you understand that God is always with you, and you have fellowship with other believers, you are still dealing with being alone.
The real loneliness that is so strong during this time of year, is the
loneliness that comes from not having a spouse, or not having a close
intimate relationship with your family. One of life's mysteries to me is why
God allows some to remain single. I wish I had
an answer, but I don't. The best I can do is to encourage you to treat it
like any other battle.
Get a plan, pray, and ask God for wisdom. Have someone who will pray
with you and walk through this with you, and then rely on the strength God
can give you each day. Don't be frustrated if you don't see results right
away.
His timing is always perfect, His grace sufficient for the day. God knows
your desire, and understands your need. As for your family, do all that you
can to reconcile with any family members you are estranged
from during this Christmas season.
I know the pain and hurt so many are
going thru during this wonderful season when others appear to be so full of
joy. Please know that you will be in my prayers. I wish I had a magical
answer but I don't. However, there is One who does have the answer. It is
during these times in our life, these times when we hurt and things don't
make sense, that we need to press in even deeper to our daily walk with
Christ. You see, that is what will sustain you through those lonely,
difficult times.
The promises in His Word are true. We need to find our peace, comfort, and
joy in Him. In our service to Him. My best advice for those who are
lonely, is to know that you are not alone. Find ways to serve others during
this Christmas season. It is in your service that you find the true
meaning, not only of Christmas, but in what being as Christian is all about.
It is also in service that we realize we really are never alone as long as
we have Jesus.
As difficult as this Christmas season may be for you because you are alone,
let me remind you that GOD is always here for you. You have the promise of
God's Word that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Here is some
advice for those who are alone this Christmas season. Let the Lord use YOU
to bring His hope, His love, to someone else who may be alone this Christmas
season.