‘Tis the season for family and friends to gather. We celebrate thanksgiving and then get excited about the holidays. There’s laughter and squabbles intertwined. And most of us are unaware of what is going on in the minds of those around us.
Let’s face it, most of us have some dysfunctional relationships within our families that we just pretend don’t exist, especially during the holidays. But that’s when the dysfunctional is highlighted. So your niece is sensitive and your cousin is just weird, but do you know what either of them is dealing with behind closed doors (our eyes are those doors closed off sometimes).
I have written about suicide before, but today I wanted to write about it again. I feel like today needs a bit of hope. We get so busy with the holidays that we fail to see the pain someone else is experiencing (and sometimes we are good at hiding it). A hug can do wonders for someone experiencing an emotional state during the holidays. A simple text of recognition could save the spiraling feelings someone is dealing with privately (feelings that we don’t belong ).
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”. Hebrews 6:19 ESV.
When I first experienced suicidal thoughts, I knew Jesus but I didn’t have the hope to live for Him. I really didn’t understand the hope that anchors my soul. I was a young Christian when the dark thoughts began for me, understanding this verse would not come for decades.
The kind of hope this verse talks about can only come with a relationship with Christ. He is our resting place, he is in that inner place behind the curtains of our pain. Restoration of hope comes when we shift our eyes from our pain to Him who took on all of our pain when He was nailed to the cross. Does that mean we won’t have pain and suffering? No. What it does mean is we have a Savior who is carrying us at times so that we don’t have to go through something alone. We are never alone, even in our thoughts.
If you are struggling during this holiday season, please reach out. If you have friends without family, reach out. If you have heard of someone who has lost their hope in Christ, pray for those who may be dealing with a look that person. Don’t try to fix it, YOU can’t … BUT GOD can ❤️
Music suggestions to establish that hope:
Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day
Anchor by Skillet
All My Hope Is in Jesus by Crowder
These are just a few of my favorites.
If you are reading this blog and find yourself thinking of someone, share it. If you need to hear these words more than anything I have written above, then stop and hear this from my heart: YOU ARE LOVED, YOU ARE VALUED AND YOU ARE NEEDED…you are chosen by the God who loves you even before you were created.
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