A Prayer for Those Struggling to Find Joy This Christmas - Your Daily Prayer - December 16
Your Daily Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com
A Prayer for Those Struggling to Find Joy This Christmas
By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Listen or Read Below:
Year after year, Christmases do not always feel the same. Sometimes they are filled with happiness, and other times, they are filled with sorrow. The first Christmas I had to face without my mom was by far the toughest Christmas I have ever gone through. My whole family struggled, and none of us truly felt like celebrating.
As the years have gone by, I have noticed that my love for Christmas has returned. In truth, it is a way for me to remember all the traditions my mom started and how much she loved the holiday herself. Once I started reflecting on this, it helped me to know that I can enjoy Christmas again. It is the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior (Luke 2:11). By celebrating Christ, it helps bring our hearts back to the true meaning of Christmas.
Regardless of whatever pain we are going through during the holidays, God is still present, and He is with us (Matthew 1:23). We can celebrate His Son even with heavy hearts. The Lord is aware that sometimes Christmas won't be filled with smiles, and that is okay. We can still lift the Lord in praise and worship Him amidst our tears, pain, and struggles.
I have continued to do this every year, and it’s not something I look at as a hassle. I am not forcing myself to worship God; rather, I genuinely want to worship the Lord because He is the reason for the season, and without Him, I would be lost. Due to His great love for us, He died for our sins, and now, for all who place faith in Him, we are given eternal life in His Name (2 Corinthians 5:21).
It is because of Him that my mom lives in Heaven, and it is because of Him that we will live in Heaven with Him too. We have everything to praise and thank the Lord for, yet we often forget these things when times are hard. Bring all these fears, worries, and pain to Him today, and allow Him to lift you up.
The Apostle Peter tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). All the weariness in your soul this Christmas needs to be given over to the Lord. Cast it on Him as though you were casting a net out to sea. Allow Him to embrace you and comfort you as nobody else can.
Christmas can feel heavy for many reasons, yet the Lord still wants us to have joy in our hearts. This doesn't mean we will be bursting with happiness, but it does mean we will have His lasting joy. Talk with Him about your pain and don't be afraid to be real, honest, and raw with your emotions.
No emotion is too big or too strong for the Lord. He has been with us through the darkest of nights, and He will continue to bring hope into our hearts.
Let's Pray:
Dear Jesus, Christmas this year is feeling quite heavy. At times, I am overwhelmed to the point of tears. Moreover, I fear at times that it is more than I can carry. I am casting all my cares on You this Christmas, and I ask that You provide me with hope, serenity, and solace.
Knowing Your presence is with me is better than life, and I know it will bring hope back to my bones. I rejoice amidst my tears this year because I know You are still good and I would be nothing without You. Help me remember this truth at Christmas and throughout the upcoming year.
I will praise You forever, Lord. Amen.
Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: Zinkevych
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
Related Resource: Be Still - Advent Meditations
This Advent season can be full and hurried, which is exactly why we need moments to pause and be still with God. So Much More is a podcast created to bring you space to be with God - and this month, we're walking through Advent Meditations all designed to help you quiet yourself and hear from the Lord. If you like what you hear, subscribe to So Much More on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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