Are you fresh out of hope? Christmas can often bring sadness or disappointment, especially during times of suffering or loss. Sickness and death, trouble and anxiety, loneliness and despair do not come at appointed times. When they come, we can hang on to hope in our Lord because He cares for us. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) and “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Time Alone with God
Do you wonder how to grab on to hope? If you are hurting, hope may seem impossible for you to reach. When that happens to me, I have a place in my house that is private where I can be alone with God. I go there as a child might run into Daddy’s arms. It is the sun room, surrounded by windows. I look out and see God’s beautiful creation all around me and immediately I feel close to Him. I sit down, close my eyes and cry out to God: Holy and Merciful God, calm my anxious heart. Then I tell God what is on my mind. I tell Him how much I love Him, and I praise Him for who He is. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive” (2 Corinthians 2:3-4).
Blessed to Bless
God meets me in my despair and comforts me so that I might help someone else who might suffer as I do. This unexpected blessing overflows into the lives of others. We are blessed to bless. Friend, this is part of what God means when He says, “Be fruitful and multiply.” These words are not only meant for physical regeneration, but also for spiritual awakening. When God comforts us, we want to respond by sharing the comfort we received.
Prayer
Holy and merciful God, thank you for your amazing love. Make us instruments of your peace, hope and comfort so others will experience your love too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 