The joys of the ’ember months are upon us! Pumpkin patches, spooky season, falling leaves and chilly autumn evenings will all slide into Thanksgiving and then tumble into the pinnacle that is Christmas. It’s a beautiful, busy three months that will bring 2024 to an end. For many of us, this is a fun-filled time full of great memories, but for others, it’s a hard time filled with anxiety and isolation. Be it a strained relationship, a death in the family, a change in circumstances or an end to a friendship, the holiday months can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hurt.
If you find yourself in the latter category of people who aren’t overly excited about the upcoming months, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association website, 63% of Americans view the holidays in negative terms. That’s a lot of people in the same boat. But good news for us! God is our hope and our Redeemer, and we can always go to Him when our outlook on the future is far from enthusiastic! While you are walking through your valley, it’s okay to spend the holidays in quiet reflection. We are taught by the world that we need to “fake it until we make it,” but that is not biblical because it puts all the effort on us and our ability to change our circumstances and/or outlooks. What really needs to happen is the focus needs to be put on our Savior and allow Him to change our hearts. But how do you do this when you are aching on the inside?
Go to God in Prayer
Hebrews 4:14-15: “God is moved with compassion by our sorrow.” Even when we don’t feel like it, talking to God is one of the best ways to get through our valleys. It seems so simple, but sometimes we are so caught up in our own grief that we forget He is grieving with us. He is faithful to hold our hurts and walk beside us when we are feeling alone.
Trust God’s Plan
Isaiah 55:9: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This one is hard because we are not promised to understand God’s ways here on earth. This is where faith must come in, but in the acceptance comes a peace that we desperately long for. Trust God’s plan and know He only wants good things for us. We may not always understand why He allows things in our lives, but we know He will use them for His glory and our refinement. 
Seek Solace in the Body of Christ
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 “Two people are better than one…For if they fall, one will help his companion up…” Whether it’s a trusted friend or a Bible study leader, find a godly person to talk things out with. It’s not always easy to share what we are going through, but seeking wise council will help you not feel alone.
And if you are lucky enough to not be in a valley this season, look for ways to help those around you. Reach out to someone if God lays it on your heart. Do not get distracted by the busyness of the season. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are all on this earth to bring glory to God and to love one another. As the holiday seasons begin to click by, be sure to show others grace and love because we never know the valleys that people are silently walking.
