Has this been a hard year?

Has infidelity taken someone you love? Did you have to say goodbye to your beloved pet? Has a business risk shaken your financial security? Are you mourning the loss of your best friend? Has illness stolen your energy?

Whether it’s an unwanted divorce, an unexpected loss, financial issues or a debilitating illness, your emotions could be overwhelmed for many reasons, especially now with Christmas descending upon you.

You want us to understand your pain. How much you miss simple activities like taking an evening stroll with your spouse, singing your favorite songs with your friend on your porch swing or having your sweet fur baby cuddle at your feet while you watch TV. Or how exhausting you feel as you deal with constant financial stress or the never-ending medical appointments.

Perhaps your pain stems from a different source. You pray for the phone to ring when its silence screams loudly every day your kids don’t call.

You hate being a drag during the most wonderful time of the year. As a committed Christian, you truly want to “count it all joy,” but you can’t quite do it – yet. Instead, you find yourself screaming, “I’m hurting!” at the jolly actors in the Christmas movies. (It’s so embarrassing when things unexpectedly set you off.)

What if I told you we understand more than we seem to?

We know you’re going through a tough time. But when we don’t respond the way you need us to, would you please forgive us? And not give up on us? Understand that we want to get it right. We’re truly sorry when we expect more from you than you’re able to give.

And we’re sad that we can’t be there for you as much as you need us to be.

Most of all, realize that God will never abandon you. Take comfort from this powerfully reassuring scripture from Hebrews 13:5 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition:

For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!].

If you’re feeling beaten down by life, rest assured that there are people praying for you. May you feel our love (and especially God’s) this holiday season.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

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