Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

I have a close friend who will soon meet the Lord face-to-face and we are just praying for God’s mercy. While the holiday season is typically a time for joy, celebration, and connection, it can intensify feelings of loneliness, sorrow, and yearning for those mourning a loved one or facing challenges. Managing holidays during such a heavy time can be pretty daunting.

However, in these moments of brokenness, a profound truth offers hope: God is close to the brokenhearted. He meets us in our pain, comforts us in our grief, and reminds us that His goodness is constant, even when life feels anything but good.

The Bible is filled with promises of God’s nearness to hurting people. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” These words remind us that God does not distance Himself from our sorrow—He draws near.

When we face seasons of loss, it’s easy to feel isolated, as though no one truly understands our pain. But Jesus, who was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), knows our suffering intimately. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4) and carries us when we feel we cannot take another step.

In times of loss, the temptation is to focus on our grief and the circumstances that have changed. While it’s natural to mourn and acknowledge our pain, shifting our focus to God’s character and sovereignty can bring peace. The more we enthrone God in our hearts—acknowledging Him as Lord over our lives, including our struggles—the less anxiety and stress will have a hold on us.

Philippians 4:6-7 offers a powerful promise: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we enthrone God, we are saying, “Lord, You are in control. I trust Your goodness, even when life feels out of control.” This act of surrender invites His peace into our hearts—a peace that surpasses human understanding and anchors us in the midst of the storm.

For those grieving or struggling during the holidays, here are some practical steps to find comfort and peace:

• Acknowledge Your Pain – It’s okay to feel sad, to cry, and to grieve. Pretending everything is fine doesn’t honor your feelings or bring healing. Bring your raw emotions to God, knowing He cares deeply for you (1 Peter 5:7).

• Remember God’s Faithfulness – In seasons of loss, it’s important to remember that God’s character doesn’t change. He is still good, faithful, and loving. Reflect on past moments where He carried you through difficult times as a reminder of His presence.

• Lean on Community – Don’t isolate yourself during this time. Lean on trusted friends, family members, or your church community for support. Sometimes, God’s comfort comes through the people He places in our lives.

• Create New Traditions – The holidays may look different this year, and that’s okay. Consider creating new traditions that honor your loved one or reflect your current season of life. This can help you find purpose and meaning during the holidays.

• Focus on Gratitude – While grief is real, so are the blessings in your life. Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, can shift your perspective and remind you of God’s goodness. Start each day by thanking God for one thing, no matter how small.

• Spend Time in God’s Word – Scripture is a balm for the soul. Passages like Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”) and Matthew 11:28-30 (“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) offer hope and encouragement.

• Pray Honestly – Pour out your heart to God in prayer. Be honest about your pain, your fears, and your questions. God can handle your raw emotions and wants to meet you where you are.

• Serve Others – One way to find healing in your own pain is to serve others who are also hurting. Whether it’s volunteering, offering a listening ear, or giving to those in need, serving can shift your focus outward and bring a sense of purpose.

In seasons of loss, it can be hard to reconcile our pain with the truth that God is good. But His goodness isn’t dependent on our circumstances. It is rooted in His unchanging character.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God’s goodness is a steady foundation, even when life feels unstable.

When we fix our eyes on Him—enthroning Him as the center of our lives—we find a peace and strength that transcends our circumstances. This doesn’t mean our pain disappears, but it does mean we are not alone in it.

The holidays may not look as you imagined this year, and that’s okay. It’s okay to feel the weight of loss, to mourn what has changed, and to long for what was. But in the midst of it all, remember that God is near. He is your refuge, your strength, and your peace.

Let this season be an opportunity to draw closer to Him, to lean on His promises, and to trust in His goodness. As you enthrone Him in your heart, you’ll find that His presence brings comfort, His peace eases your anxiety, and His love reminds you that you are never alone.

As Psalm 147:3 assures us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Trust that God is working in your pain, drawing you closer to Him, and preparing your heart for the beauty He will bring from your brokenness.

This holiday season, may you find hope in His presence, peace in His promises, and comfort in His unchanging goodness. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!