As I reflect upon the last several weeks, we as people have experienced a lot of grief, fear, devastation, and tragedy. There have been earthquakes, hurricanes, shootings, political decisions, day to day struggles, loved ones have succumbed to illness, others have started treatment for cancer, and the list could go on and on and on. As we approach the holiday season when we are supposed to be thankful and cheerful we may find it hard. Do not feel guilt or shame because you find it difficult to be thankful and find joy this season. There is a lot going on in our world near and far that makes our hearts weigh heavy.
On the other hand, there is a lot to be joyful about this season. Despite all this is going on in the world, our lives have brought us hope. There have been opportunities for healing, to see family and friends, maybe even starting new projects or jobs that are life-giving. I am hearing stories from people across the country that in the midst of tragedy they are finding hope.
My encouragement for all of us this season is that we take a cue from the Psalms. When we read the Psalms we find there is often great lament for the heavy heart. There is an outpouring of grief and pain. In this season if this is you, please pour out. Please grieve, please name your pain. In this outpouring remember that the Psalms teach us with an outpouring of grief, comes an outpouring of thanksgiving because we have opened our hearts up to healing and with healing comes hope and thanksgiving. Don't forget to pour out in thanksgiving as well.
Life is a lot like a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, anxiety, anticipation, fear, joy, excitement, and sometimes we get off the ride and our stomachs hurt, others times we can't wait to ride again. No matter where you find yourself, in the ups or downs of life, God is always there. God is there in the ups standing with you. God is truly there in the downs, reaching out a hand to help you up. Psalm 138 is a great outpouring of thanksgiving and in its conclusion reminds us that Gods faithful love endures forever.
No matter where you find yourself this season, up or down, grieving or joyful, God's faithful love endures forever.
Love, Pray, Give, and Rejoice!
Pastor Zach