Tears flowed, questions flew, hurt hammered, and at the end of it, I was left with one question?
How can Christmas be the same?
December 25th will mark two months since our son left this earth. The Lord welcomed him home and we rejoice, even in the pain of earthly separation.
With all my heart I know and trust the goodness of the Lord but my question remained. Do you find yourself there? In a place where questions are building? Your circumstances are overwhelming your heart and mind, and even threatening to take you into darkness, even when you know the Light of the world.
I’m suffering the greatest loss I could imagine. You may be also. For me the loss of a son, for you it may be the same, or entirely different. You could be struggling in a marriage, battling a disease, overwhelmed by finances, fighting addiction, or ________________ (insert your overwhelming circumstance). In the darkness of circumstances, we have a place to turn. We can turn to Jesus. We can grasp hold of God through prayer and bible study. He will meet us there, hear every question, and offer us great blessings.
Through my tears, I shared my honest hurt and heart with God. Like the Psalmist I scribbled prayers and waited for answers.
“I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2
When questions flood our hearts in times of hurt we have a place to go with them, even the questions that seem the hardest. Especially with the questions that are the hardest. The Lord stands ready and willing to give us answers and peace in the lack of understanding (Phil 4:7).
In the wait, we have a place to stand, “a firm place to stand”.
In the wait, soften the noise of the world, and look for The King. (Page 42, Jingle and Joy)
Rest in the comfort of His presence as you get alone to pray.
Stand in prayer
- pray before you turn your questions over to others; allow God the opportunity to respond.
- then pray with others; more than talking with others, pray over your questions together.
- pray continually; in the most difficult continue your prayers.
When your questions flow, get low and lift them to the Lord then listen for the joy. The sound of His voice in His word as you open the Bible.
Stand in the Word.
- Open your bible and ask the Lord to speak.
- Write your questions down and as you see answers in His word record them.
- Return to the scriptures daily; trust God to respond.
When questions darken your heart, seek the truth. Open your bible and allow the truth of His word to penetrate your heart. Allow it to shine light into the darkness. Yesterday, before I left for work God was illuminating the truth for me. While my tears were fresh He reminded me of his promise to those who search for Him:
“But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.” Psalm 40:16
Are you searching? Search for HIM. Look past your circumstances to the one thing that has not and will not change~ God.
Do you need filling? God is ready to spill joy and gladness into your heart. It doesn’t always mean that our circumstances will change, however, it does mean that even in the storms we can experience joy in Him.
Prayer and Bible study can flip a light switch on in a dark room. Together they open up a doorway for the Lord to enter into our hearts and shower us with peace, and yes, joy.
How can Christmas be the same?
In our circumstances, Jesus is the same.
He is still the one and only Son of God sent for all. He is still the babe born to Mary to later die on a cross. He is still our Savior.
When our celebration is a celebration of Christ born on Christmas day to save the world, it remains unchanged.
Our traditions may look different because of our circumstances. Our Jesus is the same in every circumstance.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT
May I pray for you to see the light even in the darkness?
Lord,
You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank you for your unchanging love. Thank you for making a way in the darkness. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to be our light. As we come to pray, remind us of your unfailing love and faithfulness. Help us. When questions threaten our peace, show us your love, help us hear your voice, help us see your goodness. Fill us with your joy and gladness. Forgive us when we lose sight of why we celebrate Christmas. Meet us where we are, pick us up out of our pits and give us a firm place to stand. Help us rejoice in you. Amen
Remember the goodness of a babe, born on Christmas Day, and praise His name.
In the twinkle of the lights, remember the Light of the world.
Because He lives, Christmas can be the same~ Jodie
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Jodie, you are such an inspiration, thank you for continually pointing us to the one who will never change and is always with us, Jesus.
“Our traditions may look different because of our circumstances. Our Jesus is the same in every circumstance.” Wow! Jodie, your wisdom and Christian example are such a blessing to me! My heart aches that you must walk through such a time of pain, but know that you are making a difference to so many. I wish there was more I could do for you! Bless you, sweet lady! I’ll be praying, Cindy
Love you so much Jodie! You are such an inspiration to so many! Continually praying for God’s comfort for you and your family in this season.. ❤️
Hey Jodie. While walking thru my own grief, last year, I was asked to pretend to write a letter to a friend, to prepare her for grief. I know nothing can prepare us , but here is what I wrote. Get ready to feel like your life is out of control, and you’re riding it out, as best you can. You will experience waves of emotions, having no control over them. As soon as you feel like can do more than just breathe and exist, you will know you are thru the worst, and are moving forward, into healing. Receive it all. Face it head on. Don’t avoid it. Trust Father, in the midst of enormous pain, and heartache. Weep, wail, rest, and be kind and patient with yourself. Spend time with folks who love you, listen, respect you, and pray for you. Avoid those who don’t. Immerse yourself in quiet time with Father, and listen. Let Him carry you this deep, dark valley. There will be days when you will be filled with peace, and the immeasurable presence of Almighty God. You will even feel the joy returning to your heart. Cling to Father, and trust Him with your pain, and your life. Drink from the well of Living Water, and eat from the Bread of Life. Ask and allow the Holy Spirit to comfort, and teach you, like only He can. Rejoice in the enormous love, strength, grace, provision, mercy, and kindness of Almighty God. Thank Him for His faithfulness, in ALL things. Worship Him, in spirit and truth. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Im covering you and your family in prayers. BIG HUGS, Lisa.
Lisa, thank you for your prayers.
Hey Jodie. Thank You, for your prayers. Our Father’s ways are so beautiful ?. Mere words cannot describe Him. O HALLELUJAH!!! Thank You, Father ❤.
Hey Jodie. Do you have a way for me to contact you, other than thru this public website?
You can email us at faithfullyfollowing@hotmail.com ~ Jodie