Holding on to Joy When the Season Feels Heavy - The Crosswalk Devotional - December 4

Holding on to Joy When the Season Feels Heavy
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
“The Lord your God is with you,  the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

The holiday season brings a sense of joy and positivity to many. The constant celebrations are a welcome distraction from their ordinary lives. Yet, for others, the holidays usher in more profound feelings of grief, remorse, or desperation.

To the one who recently lost a loved one, putting on a happy face during celebrations is distressing.

To the one who received the news that they no longer have a job, having to tell their family that Christmas will look a bit different this year is dispiriting.

For those estranged from family members, watching others gather peacefully can be a depressing experience.

If you are struggling to hold onto joy this season because you are in an emotionally, mentally, or spiritually heavy season, let me encourage you with these verses.

“The Lord your God is with you,  the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

When you are in the middle of an extremely difficult season, especially when it seems like the world around you is rejoicing while yours is falling apart, remember that God is with you. It may feel that He is distant, you might even be tempted to think He’s forgotten You, or His lack of removing your pain is evidence He doesn’t care. But, that is not true. God is always with you. He is your Savior and your Sustainer. He rejoices over you with gladness. He is love ( 1 John 4:16), and He created you out of love. He hasn’t forgotten you.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” - Genesis 16:12 NIV

There are seasons in our lives where, though we know in our minds God hasn’t forsaken us, our hearts feel differently. Just like Hagar, our dire circumstances may cause us to question God’s goodness. We may feel that God doesn’t care about our situation, we are in a spiritual desert, and are desperate for something to quench our dry souls. God does care for you. He is grieved when His children are hurting. Jesus, who took on humanity, experienced all the things we experience. He knows what it feels like to be betrayed, to grieve the loss of a friend, to be rejected by the people He loved. God is a good God  Who sees, and He sees you. Allow God’s goodness to draw you out of the desert, and find joy in Him.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 

It can be difficult to hold on to joy when our thoughts aren’t focused on the Lord.   Peace, isn’t that something we all desire? We can experience peace in the hardest of seasons when our thoughts are steadfast, or firmly fixed on the Lord. How can we securely anchor ourselves in God? We firmly believe that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. God is still faithful, He has a purpose, and nothing can separate us from His love.

Friend, if you are in a heavy season, know I am praying for you as you navigate the holidays. May you feel the Lord’s presence and know that He sees you and He loves you. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to hold on to your joy.

Further Reading:
Isaiah 26
11 Ways to Draw Near to God this New Year

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Kerkez 

Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram. 

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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