Christmastime is here! The stores are beginning to bustle, the mood is getting festive, and the excitement is brewing in the hearts of children.
But, wait a minute! What if Christmastime is painful for you this year? What if you lost your job, or lost a loved one, or lost your zest for the season? What do you do if you are facing, as Elvis would sing, "a blue Christmas"?
JOSEPH DID
Often overlooked in the Christmas story is the man named Joseph. He was engaged to the beautiful, young Mary of Nazareth. After the year-long betrothal period, he would take her as his pure, virgin wife. As with all men who are in love and anxiously awaiting marriage, Joseph was excited. But then the devastating news came as Mary explained, "Honey, I'm pregnant ... but it's not what you think!"
Joseph's world came crashing down. He was hurt to the core. As much as he wanted to believe Mary, he just couldn't. The story was too outlandish to be believed. He had to face the brutal facts, pick up the pieces of his shattered life, and somehow get through it.
WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WHEN YOUR CHRISTMAS CRATERS?
What are you and I to do when we get emotionally decimated by an unexpected blow in the month of December?
1. Don't blow off the hurt. Many people try and minimize the painful things of life, acting like whatever happened didn't really hurt all that much. Denial is never a good plan! The truth is things like betrayal, divorce, job loss, financial reversal, or physical disease produce genuine emotional pain. Those things cut deeply, and it is okay to hurt.
2. Don't stuff the hurt. Burying hurt is like burying toxic waste: it will poison the soil of your life and produce a crop of bitter consequences.
3. Don't nurse the hurt. Don't keep replaying the hurt over, and over again in your mind and heart. Nursing the hurt just allows it to continue to wreak havoc.
4. Take the hurt to God. That's what Joseph did. He was a righteous man, and righteous men talk to God, especially when the bottom drops out. The Bible says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8). As Joseph consulted God, God ministered to him and revealed to him the truth--Mary was godly and faithful, and the baby in her womb was the long-awaited Messiah of Israel! Wow!
I know that Joseph's situation is obviously a one-time event, but his example in facing heartache and pain is one that we all can follow. God is the God of might and miracle. He works in those who trust Him, regardless of the circumstances. He works in hearts that are poured out before Him. Take your hurts to the Lord, today. The Great Physician is ready to minister to you.
Love and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
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