Yes, the holiday season has arrived. It is filled with such happiness and so many festivities that many people will not have a moment to spare from all the places they will be going and from all the things they will be doing. For these people the excitement will be so great that they have no time for and no understanding for those who dread this time of year. “How can someone dread this time of year anyway?”
Did you know this time of year brings more depression, despair, anxiety, sadness, anger, and stress than any other time of the year for a lot of people? That is hard to imagine for some, but for others it is the dreaded reality of the holiday season. People who don’t get along with family all year long, and rarely see them anyway, are now put together in a room where all is suppose to be well for the family’s sake. For others they are pulled in different locations because of things like divorce/remarriage or even your first year of marriage and trying to go to both sides of the family. For others, they have military family who are deployed or they have family that has passed away and won’t be there at the gathering this year.
The flood of emotions that you may be feeling, that truly no one else can understand, can be overwhelming. Anyone dreading this time of year is probably thinking I am going to give you a quick verse and a quick fix answer to solve all of your problems. Well, you’re wrong and your right! The main reason I am writing this is to acknowledge you this year. I want you to know that you are not alone and there are many people who struggle more than ever. That widow/widower, that child with divorced parents, that military family, and what ever the circumstance you are going through that is weighing heavily upon your life.
Please know that you are not alone. Though I will never know you read this article and that you feel the way you do in person; you are acknowledged for how you are feeling. Though I know this will not fix it; I give you these three things:
1. Prayer is not futile. Prayer matters. You can find joy in and through prayer knowing God is always with you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT): “Never stop praying.”
2. Church family helps. Go to a Bible based church and get involved in a small group that becomes a weekly family get together for you. Many have been hurt from church or simply avoid church because they think it doesn’t matter. It does.
3. Jesus loves you. Often times when people feel all alone or in a pit of despair; they believe no one cares. No matter what the circumstances or situations you are facing in this life; trust that Jesus loves you!
In Christ Alone and continuing in prayer,
Chad
No one wants to hear the words brain tumor; especially inoperable brain tumor. However, those are the words I heard regarding my daughter Katelyn on July 11, 2018. Less than 24 hours later she was undergoing a surgery on her brain to get a biopsy of this tumor. Our lives were turned upside down. One week later it was confirmed to be a grade one brain tumor with a genetic mutation. Our next step is probably radiation to try to stop it from growing any more.
Have you ever received bad news? Cancer! A tragic accident! A financial loss of epic proportions! A disability! The death of a loved one! You know, that news that forever changes your life. My life will never be the same as before July 11. It is the kind of news that makes everything else in your world and in your life seem like it is going in slow motion. The things you were concerned about prior to that event seem so trivial now.
People often question where God is in these circumstances and why He allows bad things to happen to them. It is in moments like these though that our character is revealed and our faith is released to trust; if we allow it to. Take it from my 15-year old girl when I asked her if she had any concerns about all that was going on and she said, “Yes. I’m worried about Mom!” She has the brain tumor and yet she is worried about her mom. Soon after that she said, “I’m glad it was me Dad, and not someone else in our family. I wouldn’t want them to go through this.” (Let me wipe my tears as I type those words and relive that moment.)
Pain is pain no matter what bad news you face. May you know that you are never alone. Take Katelyn’s two battle cry verses as she faces so much ahead of her. Psalm 16:8 (NLT): “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT): “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Do not allow worry about tomorrow to distract you from being driven to live life to the fullest today. Remember, God is still God, He is still on His throne, and He still loves you no matter what circumstance or situation this life throws your way. I am motivated to wait on and trust in the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NLT): “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 28:7 (NLT): “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” What is your motivation for living today to the fullest no matter what news you have received?
In Christ Alone and continuing in prayer,
Chad
This is the sermon preached the following Sunday about "Committed to Being Content with God":
Yes, the holiday season has arrived. It is filled with such happiness and so many festivities that many people will not have a moment to spare from all the places they will be going and from all the things they will be doing. For these people the excitement will be so great that they have no time for and no understanding for those who dread this time of year. “How can someone dread this time of year anyway?”
