“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my [sad] countenance and my God.”
Psalms 43:5 AMP
I was reading an article where according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1 in 5 adults suffer from depression or anxiety. The holiday season, in addition to this being the time of year when there are shorter periods of sunlight, can cause some people to battle depression or anxiety even more. But there are other circumstances that can add to the list of reasons one might have a harder time during the holidays.
Unfortunately, The reasons given include lack of time, financial pressure, gift giving, and family gathering. To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around Christmas and holidays gatherings.
For many, the holidays are the most difficult time of the year to live through. Depression rates rise during holidays. Many are hurting all around the world. Most people like to focus on giving the most expensive gifts even when unable to. Christmas is not about giving nor was Jesus born on Christmas. Christmas is about loving, spending family time and caring. What’s the point of giving the most expensive gift and not loving the whole year? I rather have love the whole year, then one christmas gift out of obligation. I would rather have a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a good listener, someone who cares, and the love and respect of family and friends; than a Christmas. People spend too much money and time on materialistic things and less on their health and mental stability. The Bible clearly says “for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law”. Love is not self seeking neither is to dishonor others. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the importance of Love. Many people are hurting all around the world. One day you can just wake up and lose everything. Christmas is not about gifts, but Love. Many are desperately looking for help, hopeless, sick, and or maybe without a job. Let us be mindful, to those who are hurting. Depression is real, and should not be taken for granted. Christmas is to share your food with the hungry, to provide the poor wonders with shelter, to clothe them and not turn away. Let us not Love in word or speach, but in deed and in truth. The Bible is very clear to Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not answer. Do not give out of obligation instead out of Love. Many people give out of generosity, this is a true blessing. Each man should give what he has decided in this heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Christmas is more than gifts and decorations. Instead of just focusing on the gifts and pretty decorations, we need to remember that Christmas is really about having a relationship with God overall. If you are hurting during holidays you are not alone. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands so that you can combat them before any breakdown. Everyone else seems to be surrounded by love and warmth, while you feel alone and in the dark. Remember Jesus loves you. You are not alone, this was once my story too. We all have days when we feel unmotivated, but if your symptoms cause disruptions in life, it’s time to reach out for help. You can always talk to your pastors, attend a cell group and seek help in your local church or community. Readers I like to encourage you to help someone in your neighborhood, call that person who hurt you and forgive, pray for family who don’t know Jesus. Christmas is about joy and fun not giving what you don’t have. Count your blessings, you’ll be surprised to know how fortunate you are. Keep praying and don’t give up hope. Good is near the broken-hearted and God sees you.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
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