Don't Lose Heart!

"He will never ever fail us."  - Crystal McDowell

As we all well know, the holiday season can definitely be stressful. What with all the excessive commercialism, its focus on spending money and gift-giving, along with having that "perfect" social activity, it's no wonder. These factors, and others, can and do lead to stress, anger, and even depression in some.

Of course, we can feel overwhelmed any time of the year. We all go through taxing ordeals during the course of our daily lives, such as: sitting in traffic, caring for elderly parents, etc. I get my electric bill and it stresses me out! Maybe we just need that little hug, or comforting word to let us know that everything is going to be alright.

Did you know that there are some really good helps in the Bible? God does care about us. Here's just one example of what I'm talking about. Psalm 34:18 (KJV) says, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." There's a lot of reassuring information in this one verse. You just have to dig a little to get at it.

Interestingly, "them that are of a broken heart" occurs frequently in scripture. It refers to a circumstance or circumstances when a burden, or heavy load seems to be on the heart. This can include when the heart seems to be squashed by sin or sorrow; and outlined to describe an awareness of deep guilt, misery, and trouble.

The key part, I feel, is in the opening of the verse, "The Lord is nigh." This tells us that God is prepared to listen and help us out. We are never alone. He is close-by each and every one of us. Man cannot say this of other men. Only God can offer this type of comfort to us.

A "contrite spirit" is one that is crushed or trampled on. Stressful situations can play some pretty mean tricks on our mental, emotion, and physical well-being. Just living day to day can be trying enough. The added pressure of the holidays can easily throw gasoline on this fire.

While others may turn away from us during times of our greatest need, God never will. Another comforting thought is that God is well aware of what we are going through. He knows the history of our hearts. Who better to turn to? The resources of God are there anytime we need them, 24/7.

Please, if you are undergoing or encountering feelings of serious depression, I strongly encourage you to seek professional help. This, however, does not change anything with God. His love for you and I is boundless and unconditional. Nothing makes Him happier than helping us when we need it (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 9:9; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:13; Matthew 11:28-30

Prayer: Dear Lord, inspire us to live as you would have us live; and to walk in your presence, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey