Not Everyone Feels Jolly & That Is Okay
As Christmas fast approaches, I am reminded of those who are dreading this time of year… Not because they hate Christmas, but because they hate doing Christmas without a person whom they have lost or because they have to do Christmas alone or away from family this year.
The holidays put so much pressure on us to be with family & loved ones… & when that cannot happen for one reason or another, it can be so painful to bear.
God sees you, too. Even in the heartache that seems too thick to swallow, He sees you.
Your Heartache Matters to God
I want to take this week to speak to those of you who are feeling that dense, hard-to-swallow pain this time of year, because I know that your heartache matters to God.
It’s important to point out that God does not expect us to never be sad or hurt. We don’t have to stuff down our pain & pretend it doesn’t exist. God doesn’t shame us in our heartbreak.
If anyone doubts this, they only have to read Ecclesiastes to see despair spilled over its pages.
Finding Hope in the Darkness
Life can be hard, there is no denying that.
But in finishing up the book of Ecclesiastes, in all of the author’s woes of despair & meaninglessness, he ends the book by prompting us to follow & obey God—the way of life that brings meaning to the hurt.
Life may not always be pretty or comfortable or easy or full of laughter, but we can be guaranteed that God is with us through it all. He is our enough in the midst of the heartache.
Cling. Cry Out. He Is Listening.
Cling to Him. Cry out to Him. Pour out your heart to His listening ears. God can handle your pain.
Ask for Him to be your comfort & strength & hope in the midst of your deep pain.
Because while we are not promised a life of comfort & ease, we are promised that He is enough to carry us through the fires & storms & aches of life.
Your source of hope in the midst of the tears will always be Him.
Let Him…
He cares for you. He sees you. He is able. He is enough.
Let Him fill where you feel void & empty.
Let His love be a balm on your weary heart.
Let His strength help you rise above the brambles.
Let His power carry your broken heart.
Let His comfort ease your burdens.
His Words, Not Mine
(Emphasis in the following verses is mine.)
“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
“He heals the brokenhearted & binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
“He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2)
“Come to Me, all who labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“God is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Come to me, all who labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, & learn from Me, for I am gentle & lowly in heart, & you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, & My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice & my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin & death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh & for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:1-6)
Shine Hope by Leaning into Him
It doesn’t have to look pretty. You don’t have to get yourself together first. Come to Him in the mess. Pour out your sorrows to Him because He cares for you. He is listening & He sees you.
You are not alone, for He is with you always, even to the end of the age.
Come to Jesus & find Life, even in the midst of your great sorrows.
He sees you & He loves you more than words could ever express. <3
Merry Christmas.
Coming Next Week
Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.
As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
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A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Weekly Special Spotlight:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Nairobi Necklace
Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.
Artisan Information:
In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
