The season of joy to the world is upon us, where everything around us shines of merry and bright. But what if it’s not? What if there’s nothing in your world that vaguely resembles merry, and you feel empty, without even a spark of joy? Your merry and bright looks more like bleak hopelessness.

There’s nothing in your life that looks like the Hallmark Christmas movies you get lost in, wishing things were different. But when the movies are over, the reality of your world comes crashing down upon you again.

You may feel like you’re alone in the world as you watch others smiling and enjoying times with their families. You may wonder if there is anyone else out there who would rather crawl under the covers and not come out again until next year, or possibly never again.

But I would like to assure you that you are not alone. There are many who have had a very hard year, or years, or life, and are still suffering. Many are living through silent nights, missing loved ones who have passed, or walked out of their lives. Some are far from family or have no family at all and are consumed with loneliness.

There are many who have endured one fiery trial after another, sorrow upon sorrow. Some live with debilitating disease and chronic pain and suffering. Others may be facing a terminal diagnosis, wondering if this will be their last Christmas. Or perhaps the financial situations in their lives have gone from serious to critical, with no hope of change.

You may feel like a failure in the faith department. You’re thinking that if you had more faith, you wouldn’t be feeling like this. You don’t know how much longer your weak faith can hold on. You feel guilty that you’re doubting that God is even hearing your cries for help anymore. Has He given up on you too? 

But I want you to know that God does hear. He does see every tear you shed. He understands the pain and sorrow and suffering you are enduring, and He cares. He loves you with an everlasting love, and He holds you and carries you when you can’t walk or even stand any longer. He speaks peace in the middle of your storms.

Keep holding on to that tiny mustard seed of faith that is still hiding within. Keep believing that God is the God of the impossible, and there is yet hope for a miracle. Keep surrendering it all to Him when the weight of it all becomes unbearable. Keep trusting that God is trustworthy and knows best.

Keep seeking, even if you don’t feel His presence or hear any responses. We need to be like the three wise men who travelled afar, seeking the Savior who would be born King of all. As the Christmas sentiment says, wise men and women still seek Him.

And keep being faithful, no matter how hard it is. It’s alright to not feel merry and bright. But we must remain faithful to the Lord, bringing a sacrifice of praise, because He is worthy of all praise whether we feel like it or not. And we just may find a spark of joy and hope arising as we bow down to worship Jesus. So come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.