We’re days away from Thanksgiving and about a month later Christmas will be here. That’s great news for a lot of people, but for some, the holidays bring on a major case of the blues. Sometimes those blues stem from the fact that people can’t be with their families, which is perfectly understandable, while other times it’s because they’re not where they want to be in their lives.
But a lot of times, it’s because people think God has let them down and they’re disappointed in Him.
But is that fair?
Here’s what I’ve noticed. Many times, Christians believe that our lives should be perfect. Free from worry, hardships, or tragedies if we only have enough faith. But is that really what the Word teaches?
Try telling that to Paul, as he sat in prison unjustly prosecuted and sentenced to death, that his lack of faith brought on his troubles. Or what about the apostles? Almost every one of them died a horrible death, yet they were steadfast in their belief in Jesus. Did a lack of faith really contribute to their terrible deaths?
And we won’t even talk about the suffering Jesus endured.
Personally, I think it’s tragic that God takes a bum rap for something He never promised us. Yes, He wants what’s best for us, and will do anything to make sure we spend eternity with Him. But He never promised this life would be easy—only the next one. So why do some push that falsehood on other believers?
The two possible outcomes are that when the believers encounter troubles—and they will—they will either blame themselves for not having enough faith (even though Jesus told us faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient), or turn against God because of a promise He never made.
It just seems unfair to me—to set up false expectations like that. I think it puts believers at a disadvantage—a no win type of situation.
The truth is that Jesus said we will have troubles in this world. He did, and so every true believer in the Bible. But they remained steadfast, knowing that their Lord would work it out in the end.
And that’s what we’re called to do, too.
So if you find yourself feeling blue this holiday season, it’s okay. We all go through struggles and hard times and uncomfortable places. That doesn’t make us any less faithful, and it certainly doesn’t make God any less God.
Put your faith in Him—in His Character and the promises He’s made for eternity.
I know it hurts. The pain can be unrelenting and can seem to go on forever. But it won’t.
When you’re feeling depressed, remember the great ones who came before you. Elijah sat under a tree and told God he wanted to die. God told him to nourish himself, much in the same way we can do today by reading the Word.
And think about David. How many times did he lament in the Psalms that all was lost? But those Psalms show us the way out of the blues. David, no matter how low he felt, always ended by praising God because he understood His character. He knew who he served.
Are you feeling the blues this holiday season? If so, you’re not alone. God is there, waiting for you to pour out your heart to Him and ask Him to comfort you. Do it now. And then write me and tell me how He was able to heal your heart.
I wish you all of His best in your life,
April
But a lot of times, it’s because people think God has let them down and they’re disappointed in Him.
But is that fair?
Here’s what I’ve noticed. Many times, Christians believe that our lives should be perfect. Free from worry, hardships, or tragedies if we only have enough faith. But is that really what the Word teaches?
Try telling that to Paul, as he sat in prison unjustly prosecuted and sentenced to death, that his lack of faith brought on his troubles. Or what about the apostles? Almost every one of them died a horrible death, yet they were steadfast in their belief in Jesus. Did a lack of faith really contribute to their terrible deaths?
And we won’t even talk about the suffering Jesus endured.
Personally, I think it’s tragic that God takes a bum rap for something He never promised us. Yes, He wants what’s best for us, and will do anything to make sure we spend eternity with Him. But He never promised this life would be easy—only the next one. So why do some push that falsehood on other believers?
The two possible outcomes are that when the believers encounter troubles—and they will—they will either blame themselves for not having enough faith (even though Jesus told us faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient), or turn against God because of a promise He never made.
It just seems unfair to me—to set up false expectations like that. I think it puts believers at a disadvantage—a no win type of situation.
The truth is that Jesus said we will have troubles in this world. He did, and so every true believer in the Bible. But they remained steadfast, knowing that their Lord would work it out in the end.
And that’s what we’re called to do, too.
So if you find yourself feeling blue this holiday season, it’s okay. We all go through struggles and hard times and uncomfortable places. That doesn’t make us any less faithful, and it certainly doesn’t make God any less God.
Put your faith in Him—in His Character and the promises He’s made for eternity.
I know it hurts. The pain can be unrelenting and can seem to go on forever. But it won’t.
When you’re feeling depressed, remember the great ones who came before you. Elijah sat under a tree and told God he wanted to die. God told him to nourish himself, much in the same way we can do today by reading the Word.
And think about David. How many times did he lament in the Psalms that all was lost? But those Psalms show us the way out of the blues. David, no matter how low he felt, always ended by praising God because he understood His character. He knew who he served.
Are you feeling the blues this holiday season? If so, you’re not alone. God is there, waiting for you to pour out your heart to Him and ask Him to comfort you. Do it now. And then write me and tell me how He was able to heal your heart.
I wish you all of His best in your life,
April
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