Tomorrow is what many consider the official start of the Christmas holiday season here in the United States. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. It is a day and season of joy and love for many, but let us not forget those who struggle with loneliness and anxiety at this time of the year.
Family meals, holiday parties, and other get togethers can bring about anxiety and intimidation. If you fall into the category of those who feel isolated from the joy of the holiday season, let me assure you the Lord is with you to bring you through. Perhaps you actually have wondered if you can make it through one more gathering. I am here to say, “Yes, you can.”
You have the promises of God standing ready to empower you.
If you are one who has a difficult time gathering with others because you feel “less than,” remember who God created you to be. Rely on what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in
2 Timothy 1:7. I particularly like the NIV and the NKJV translations of this verse.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” NIV
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” NKJV
Fear, timidity, and intimidation do not come from God. What you received from your Creator is the power to stand tall in the midst of fear. Within yourself, you have God’s love to forgive and accept those acquaintances or family members that challenge you. And finally you have a sound mind that operates with the discipline to take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
When the enemy tells you you are not loved, God says, “I love you enough to sacrifice my only Son”.(John 3:16)
When the enemy tells you that you are not strong enough to handle another family gathering, the Spirit of the Living God says, “Be strong and courageous. I will not fail you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1: 5–6)
When your negative self talk says, “I’m not enough.” Jesus says, “You can do all things through Me because I strengthen you.” (Philippians 4:13).
You, Dear One, abide in the One who is Perfect Love. 1 John 4:18 tells us that it is this perfect love—Jesus—who casts out fear.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”
1 John 4:18
Whatever your plans are for tomorrow and beyond for this holiday season, rely on the Lord to bring you through to victory over fear, intimidation, and the attack of the enemy.
My prayer for you this season is that you feel God wrapping you in a cocoon of His perfect love. Then, secure in the love of the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit you are able to not only endure, but enjoy time with family and friends.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.