Holiday Blues
At the end of one holiday and on to the next, sometimes we get holiday blues. You are building up to something fun, exciting, and then it’s over. There are many emotions we can feel when the holiday blues come. We can feel overwhelmed, let down, discouraged, exhausted, sad, depressed. I know I am always praying to be solid in my emotions. But God gave us emotions, he made us with feelings, it’s all in what we do when we have those feelings.
A Variety
A variety of emotions come up at holidays, depending on the situation. Maybe you lost a loved one recently, or near the time of the holidays, or maybe they were born around this time? It could be that you don’t get to see all of your loved ones because of distance, arguments, or even family feuds. I know I was always sad at the holidays because my family was separated by divorce. Some children have to split the holidays between parents whether they are young or old. Feeling can creep in and do some major damage if we allow it.
Being Aware
People can go through their entire lives being unaware of their feelings. When this happens, they can hurt others, sink into depression, become unbearable to be around. We have learned over the years becoming aware of our feelings is a good thing. Then once you are aware, you can deal with where you are. Self-reflection, and then some much needed R&R is in order.
R&R
R&R can stand for rest and relaxation, but I like the idea of reflection and restoration. When we can reflect on the past, then turn to what God has done, we can walk into restoration. When I know why I’m feeling the way I’m feeling, then i can reflect on what God has done and brought me out of. Next, I can see how He has restored me and start praising Him! He restores my soul!!
He Restores Me
God is in the restoration business! He can look at something broken, used, worn out, and restore it to it’s original beauty. We can get so caught up in our feelings, we start to believe everything we feel. But when I get in the presence of God, my view changes, I see things from His vantage point and my troubles start to melt away. I praise Him and He restores my soul!! Im thankful for the times when I feel down, it reminds me of humanity and how if Im feeling this way, so is someone else!
Marriage
Where does my marriage fit in to all of this? I’ll tell you…In every part. You are a collection of your thoughts, past, emotions, feelings, and soul. If you are feeling down, depressed, anxious.. guess what? So is your spouse and children. So when the holidays are here and you are not feeling like yourself, everyone close to you feels and acts on what you are feeling. If you are aware and get some R&R, reflection and restoration, spend time in praise, then the only thing you”ll miss this Holiday is the blues you don’t want anyway! Your marriage and children will be blessed because you are choosing to have joy!
Choosing To Have Joy
You choose to have joy or you choose to be sad, we can encapsulate ourselves with what we feel, or we can say, “not today satan!” We can choose to look to the hills from whence cometh my help! We can choose what we allow in our homes! Choose today to live a joyful life, despite the pain that you may feel. You can still have joy in your trial, you can still praise God in the storm!! He is able!! He will bring you out, remember you are not defeated!!! You are a child of the King!!
Scriptures
Monday: Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” If we weren’t supposed to have feelings, the God of creation wouldn’t have given them to us, and then in His word say that He will comfort us. He is the Comforter!
Tuesday: Psalms 30:5 says, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Always know, no matter what is causing you pain and sorrow, God will say the night is over, and you can have joy again!!
Wednesday: Proverbs 27:19 says, “As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man reflects man.” Our hearts reveal who we really are. Praying today for a reflection and change.
Thursday: Lamentations says, “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” Reflecting and then receiving His restoring power! We can hope in Him!! Knowing who He helps us to be restored knowing we can trust in Him!!
Friday: Psalms 23:3 says, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” When we praise Him, we see Him restore us and lead us, and in turn lead others as we walk in righteousness for His name!!
Saturday: Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Whatever you are feeling eventually comes out in your words. Praying today for your marriage, that you learn to keep your emotions and bridle your tongue. Our marriages are too important to just say whatever comes to mind.
Sunday: Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, though the power of the Holy Ghost.” How do we abound when our emotions tell us otherwise? We do it through the power of the Holy Ghost! We can and need His Spirit! Be filled, changed, and full of joy!! Praying the hurts of your past and the season be a joyful, and blessed one!! Choosing to be joyful and enjoying those around you!
Prayer
Our prayer for you today is to not let the season, holidays, or your emotions rule your hearts, your marriage depends on it! Praying you are careful with your words as parties, events, and Christmas approach. God loves you and wants to alleviate your pain, hurts, and disappointments, but as you work through these feelings He allows you to have, learn to praise Him, and walk in joy!! In Jesus name!!
Contact
Please feel free to contact us at janene@happilyevermarried.org or read and share more blog posts at http://happilevermarried.org Thank you for investing in your marriage!!