When giving thanks doesn’t come easily and life presses in sharp, tearing at romantic ideals of holiday tables and merry-making, is celebration even possible?
Perhaps you’ve been asking yourself this question as you grapple with a life-altering diagnosis. The constant reality that your dear one won’t be home for the holidays–now or ever. An all-consuming depression that seems to only deepen as you focus on the joy that isn’t yours.
[bbctt tweet="When life presses in sharp, is celebration even possible?"]
I am sorry for the pain. The fear. The aching loss.
I understand. I’ve been in that place and it’s unwelcome and ugly. Overpowering and overwhelming. Unyielding and unstoppable. Until, we remember God is with us in every situation, complication, and aggravation.
[bbctt tweet="He is able to bring beauty from ashes, victory from calamity, and deliverance from disaster.Nothing is impossible for God."]
He is able to bring beauty from ashes, victory from calamity, and deliverance from disaster. Nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37)
The Lord of all experienced the same hurts as you and me, Friend. He knew the separation of death, was intimate with rejection and chose to spill holy blood for the loss of his broken beloved.
[bbctt tweet="Because of Him, we can cling to hope.Even when our worst fears are realized, we know the truth."]
Because of Him, we can cling to hope. Even when our worst fears are realized, we know the truth.
Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33) that we might have eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3-4). Christ came that you and I might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Christ is the hope set before us (Hebrews 6:18). The Promise for whom we can give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In these promises, we can give thanks.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
P.S. I’ve downloaded a printable gratitude journal for your use. Even recording one small word of thanks can turn our faces His direction. I pray you’ll be encouraged.
Linking up at #gracefulTuesday and these other blogs:
This is beautiful Tammy. And the journal is perfect as I continue this season of gratitude and clinging to God’s promises. #Salt&Light
I hope the journal will be useful and that you and your precious ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Peace and grace, Tammy
Yes, I’ve been hearing this needful message so often lately – it’s good to be honest about our hurts AND the Lord is what can change our perspective in to one of gratitude! I know this so well. Thanks for your encouragement and Scriptural focus for us to find further encouragement.
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer. We do need to be honest, don’t we?
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I was just talking with my husband this morning about how comforting it is to know Jesus experienced everything we experience as humans. Temptation, pain, loss. Thanks for this reminder today! Enjoyed being your neighbor on #GraceFullTuesday. 🙂
Hi Emily. It is comforting to know he understands us so well! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I am so grateful we can cling to Jesus and thereby, always have hope. I am glad I stopped by!
Amen! I’ve been there, and Jesus saw me through!
Tammy – I loved your post! Thank you for the journal it is beautiful. I sure would love to see you add your post to Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up. I am one of the hosts.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the journal, Maree Dee. You and I have a heart for many of the same people. Thanks for inviting me to join you on the linkup! Peace and grace, Tammy