We usually do not understand, or are even unaware of certain experiences, unless we experience them ourselves, or know someone who has. Loneliness is one such experience.
As I was hiking the other day, I was thinking about and praying for all the people I know who are alone during this holiday season, or who lost loved ones in one way or another, over the past year. 2024 took its toll on a lot of people I know, so this was their first holiday season without them. Loneliness and loss is hard, but the holidays can seem almost unbearable for some. Memories can be haunting, as thoughts of previous holidays with friends and family or the lost loved one flood our mind. Emotions come in waves as we remember how things used to be, by hearing a song on the radio, watching a movie on TV, seeing reminders of past holidays or lost loved ones around the house, or sitting at home alone with only our thoughts to occupy our time. I wonder if the loneliness or pain subsides over time. Those who have time under their belts know the answer. I suspect that time is beneficial, but the thoughts and memories can still be difficult.
Some are fortunate to have people to chat with, or who check in on them to see how they are doing, or who invite them to spend time with them. But others are not as fortunate, and the loneliness or loss can be excruciating, often leading to unhealthy thoughts, depression, and even suicide.
God has made a way so that we are not alone and so that we can heal from the pain of loss and loneliness. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. He came down from heaven to dwell among us, to destroy the works of the devil, and to conquer sin and death. He knows our pain and what we are going through. Because of Jesus, there will be a day when there will be no more pain or suffering; there will be no more loneliness. In the meantime, we can find peace and comfort in Jesus and knowing that He is always with us. We can talk to Him when we are in pain or are suffering from loneliness, and He will listen and provide for our needs. He is always there; He is always with us. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
As Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, He said to those who were following Him that if we love Him, He will ask the Father, and He will give us another Helper who may be with us forever, because He dwells with us and will be in us. This Helper is the Spirit of truth. Jesus promised that He will not leave us as orphans, but rather, He said, "I will come to you." God the Father has given His Holy Spirit to live within those who believe in His Son, Jesus, to guide and comfort them in all matters, and to comfort others in their need. Like a good Father, He provides guidance, peace, and comfort to those in need, through many avenues, including His word, prayer, people, nature, music, and many more. He will use whatever means is necessary to provide peace and comfort to those who love Him.
He said to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God by casting all our care upon Him, for He cares for us. He is our loving Father, and He will give us whatever we need to cope and heal from the pain because He cares for us.
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As I was hiking the other day, I was thinking about how we usually do not understand, or are even unaware of certain experiences, unless we experience them ourselves, or know someone who has. I've always known people who were alone on the holidays, or who were spending their first Christmas without a loved one, but it didn't really hit me how hard it is for them until this year. To all who this applies to, I'm sorry for not understanding or seeming to care how hard it can be for you.
2024 took its toll on a lot of people I know, so this was their first holiday season without them. Loneliness and loss of a loved one is hard enough, but the holidays can seem almost unbearable for some. Memories can be haunting, as thoughts of previous holidays with the lost loved one flood our mind. Emotions come in waves as we remember how things used to be, by hearing a song on the radio, by seeing a movie on TV, by seeing reminders of lost loved ones around the house, or by sitting at home alone with only our thoughts to occupy our time. I wonder if the loneliness or pain subsides over time. Those who have time under their belts know the answer. I suspect that time is beneficial, but the thoughts and memories can still be difficult.
Some are fortunate to have people to chat with, or friends to hang out with or who check in on them to see how they are doing. But others are not as fortunate, and the loneliness or loss can be excruciating, often leading to unhealthy thoughts, depression, and even suicide.
God has made a way so that we are not alone and so that we can heal from the pain of loss and loneliness. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. He came down from heaven to dwell among us. He knows our pain and what we are going through. Because of Jesus, there will be a day when there will be no more pain or suffering; there will be no more loneliness. In the meantime, we can find peace and comfort in Jesus and knowing that He is always with us. We can talk to Him when we are in pain or are suffering from loneliness, and He will listen and provide for our needs. He is always there; He is always with us. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
As Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, He said to those who were following Him that if we love Him, He will ask the Father, and He will give us another Helper who may be with us forever, because He dwells with us and will be in us. This Helper is the Spirit of truth. Jesus promised that He will not leave us as orphans, but rather, He said, "I will come to you." God the Father has given His Holy Spirit to live within those who believe in His Son, Jesus, to guide and comfort them in all matters, and to comfort others in their need. He is a good Father who provides guidance, peace, and comfort to those in need, through many avenues, including His word, prayer, people, nature, music, and many more. He will use whatever means is necessary to provide peace and comfort to those who love Him.
God said to humble ourselves under His mighty hand by casting all our care upon Him, for He cares for us. He is our loving Father, and if we humble ourselves and call out to Him, He will give us whatever we need to cope and heal from the pain because He cares for us.
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