Finding Peace During the Holidays

As we approach Winter, we miss the warmth of the sun on our face. The sweet smell of flowers freshly bloomed. The fun-filled days spent with friends laughing like there's no end. Suddenly the sun shines less and grey clouds fill the sky. The nights begin to chill and the rain pours. What seemed like a never-ending tranquility over the Spring and Summer, is replaced with sadness and weary nights for many. Some are struggling with grief from the loss of a marriage or trying to find comfort after the death of a loved one. Others are dealing with the loneliness of not having friends or family to share the days that are meant to be spent with those closest to us. It is during this time when our focus and mind must be kept on Jesus and the peace that only He can truly bring. Isaiah 41:10 NIV tells us "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". Often times, when we feel lonely, the loneliness turns to fear. Remembering back years ago when I was a single mother raising a little boy, there were many times I felt alone. I struggled with balancing work full-time, raising my son as the sole caretaker, paying all the bills, and trying to keep my mind in tact! Yesss girl it was A LOT! Before I knew it, fear kicked in big time. How would I be able to do all this on my own? How can I show my son how to become a man without a father? What if I'm not a "good-enough" mother? Will it always be this way...lonely? Thank God for His grace and redemption. As I began to study God's Word more, I realized how much the Lord truly loved me and that I was never alone. Even on what seemed like the darkest days, I would open my Bible and His peace would envelope me. The night's that felt so long and cold, a simple prayer of "God help me" when I didn't know what else to pray brought me warmth. It was during these times that I learned to lean on God's Word and His everlasting love. Soon my thoughts began to change. I was no longer living life in fear but I rested in His peace. I began to speak God's promises over my life and my son's life, even when times were difficult. Through it all I started to see all of His wonderful blessings bestowed on my life, and made it a point to be INTENTIONAL about keeping my focus on the Lord no matter what came my way.

I encourage you today, to TRUST God. I mean trust Him with your entire heart and watch Him show up and show out honey! In life, there are times that we go through the fire, but God has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The process of making gold involves refining raw ore through fire. Think of yourself as the raw ore, sometimes going through the fire (and I know it can get HOT)! Honey that only means that everything which is "not like God" is undergoing a purification process. He is removing all that doesn't mean you well, and refining you into the most beautiful and purest gold. Jesus loves you to a place where there is no end, and He has never left your side. Whenever you call His name, He will be right there to cradle you when you feel lonely or in despair. Stand in faith on all that He has promised and keep your thoughts focused on him. The sun will shine even in November. You got this, because God's got you.

Hugs & love,

Krystle Monique