When Holidays HurtÀpẹrẹ
Light in the Darkness
Are you or do you know a "list person?" My family jokes about my lists.
There’s a problem with being a list person, though.
When loss hits, there's no check-off box for coping with change and the emotions it brings. Any straightforward progression is nonexistent, and our emotions ride like a roller coaster.
For many of us, our hurting hearts experience intensified ache as memories flood our minds—perhaps the memory is of a loved one now in heaven. Maybe the memory haunts us as part of a painful past—something we wish could be changed or undone.
So, while many celebrate joy to the world, perhaps you're thinking more about the silent night and pondering the depth of darkness in your life.
In today's passage, David shares that God transformed his darkness into light. But I love verse 28, "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning." A lamp in the darkness doesn't reveal an entire scene. It only shines within its scope; it doesn't have the power to collide with the moon. A lamp releases enough light to see the next step, not the whole journey.
We can't see into eternity. But let's ask God for glimpses of heaven on our paths today, enough light for the step that we're standing on.
Pray with Me
Lord, I know you have all the power to bring light into darkness. Grief dims my eyes, and I can't see the way ahead, but your word promises that heaven awaits. Would you give me a glimpse of it on my path today? Amen.
See you tomorrow!
Ìwé mímọ́
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
While the holiday season is filled with joy, pain doesn't magically disappear. Discouragement, disease, and depression don't take a day off, even at Christmas. Where does one find hope when the holidays hurt? Psalm 18 is David's survival guide to feelings of loss and overwhelm. Join this plan for 6 days of comfort when you struggle to find joy.
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