A Prayer for Hope This Christmas Season
By Vivian Bricker
Editor's Note: There is no audio version of the devotional for December 6 and 7.
Bible Reading:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
Christmas often reminds us of hope because of the twinkling lights, the beautiful decorations, the smiling faces around us, and the remembrance that God sent His Son to the earth for us. However, for many, the holidays can feel anything but hopeful. Due to financial struggles, family trauma, or health concerns, Christmas is not so merry and bright.
I have personally struggled to feel hopeful this Christmas season. Both my physical and mental health have been a burden lately, which makes it difficult to indulge in the happiness that is supposed to come with the holidays. Although I have done my best to combat these symptoms, I continue to feel sorrowful, hopeless, and anxious about the upcoming Christmas season. I love Christmastime, but if you are always feeling incredibly sad or anxious, you won't have the most joyful time.
Even with all the twinkling lights and beautifully wrapped presents, one can still feel empty and hollow at Christmastime. If you are feeling downtrodden this Christmas, know that it is okay, and you are not alone. It is not a personal shortcoming to struggle with hope during the Christmas season. All of us struggle from time to time, and it is important for us to extend grace to ourselves. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend, and don't be so hard on yourself when you start to feel gloomy about the upcoming holiday season.
Once you have allowed yourself to sit in your feelings and fully express them, then it is time to turn to the Lord. He can renew your weary heart and give you the hope that you need. Think about what is making you feel hopeless this year and bring it to the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7). Never be afraid to be honest with the Lord and share the deepest and darkest struggles of your heart.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As Paul says in this passage, God is the God of hope. The hope the Bible speaks of is not wishful thinking, but rather, a steadfast promise.
There will be many bad things that occur in this world, but God is still the Giver of all good things (James 1:17). God Himself will fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him, and we will overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to hold onto this promise and know that God is good. He will help surround our hearts with the grace of His love and the hope of eternity.
Regardless of what you are facing this year, bring it to God. Allow His goodness to give you hope. He will wash away any doubt and ensure you are covered with hope, joy, and love. Even when you doubt Him, He will forever surround you with blessings. Trust in God and allow His hope to give you the steady grace that you need.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, You are the God of all hope, and I praise You. I am lacking in hope this year, and I need help. Please help me to find hope in You and to let go of any feelings of doubt or hopelessness. Life has been heavy this year, and I don't feel ready to celebrate or lift my voice in praise, but I know that You can transform my hope into something beautiful.
Bring hope into my heart by setting my eyes on You. Equip my heart to see You despite the pain I'm feeling and change my heart of hopelessness into a heart of hope. I trust that You can do all things, and the power of the Holy Spirit will soar in my life.
I give You all the praise and glory, God. Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Maria Marganingsih
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