Stress, Depression. Grief. Loneliness. Relational conflict. Financial pressure. Exhaustion. Isolation. Nostalgia. Guilt. Unrealistic expectations. Gifting. Regret. Routine. Illness. And, thirty-seven pages of physical, emotional, and spiritual uneasiness. They are the stuff of what is popularly called "the holiday blues". No, this seasonal affliction is not an officially recognized psychological disorder. Still, it is real and visits millions of our family and friends when the season arrives every year. You can Google "holiday blues" and view 144,000,000 dissertations, articles, opinion, and books about this seasonal low. Who of us wouldn't like to discover the formula to guide so many of the precious people in our circle of influence through this dark experience?
My personal Christian worldview affirms and suggests the truth of Scripture as our only sure prescription for dealing with this debilitating seasonal dread. Yes, every diagnostic community proposes remedies for the "holiday blues" and its seasonal relatives---psychological, medical, educational, political, cultural, and even the folks in TV land. Even so, this dark night of the soul still afflicts many. So this year, give attention to the B.I.B.L.E. for comfort and joy.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9: 9, ESV
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34: 17-18, ESV
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Psalm 40: 2, ESV
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16: 33, ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12: 12, ESV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15: 13, ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7, ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4: 8, ESV
So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.
Hebrews 6: 18-19, ESV
And, hundreds, perhaps thousands more. The last one, from the anonymous author of the Epistle to the Hebrews is a Scripture truth that gives me great blessing every day. You see, I am promised hope as an anchor for my soul. And, in these demanding and stressful times, who of us doesn't need an anchor? You see, for many people things aren't so holly jolly in the Christmas season. Ho Ho Ho if often Oh Oh Oh. Shifting currents, strong winds, rough waters, swift seas.
And, an anchor for the soul.
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