As we move through this holiday season and look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, there may be someone near you who is lonely or hurting. Maybe you are lonely or hurting. This time of year can be filled with excitement, joy, gratitude and sharing God’s love. But sometimes, in this broken world, we face extreme difficulty and it can make choosing joy very difficult.
In this current season, I know two different people who are each mourning the death of an adult child, a friend whose mom is beginning chemo treatment for advanced cancer and another friend who is getting treatment for a lung disease and may ultimately need a lung transplant. Yet another friend is struggling with debilitating anxiety due to a relentless autoimmune disease that has turned her 10 year old son’s life upside down.
These things can be crushing to a person’s spirit. Where do we turn for hope when we are facing such difficulty? Here are a few verses that we can meditate on in order to help us keep our eyes focused on the LORD – our only true source of strength, peace and hope.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
This scripture was prayed over me during one of the most unsettling nights of my life and brought me comfort:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
If you are lonely and hurting, please remember that Jesus knows what you are going through. He sees you and cares for you. He wants to comfort you and provide for all of your needs. And as I write this, I am praying for you.
In love,
Melissa
Great verse and perspective.
So true. Thanks for sharing.