Today marks the second week of Advent. Even in this Advent season, people are feeling hurt, broken, afraid, sad, and unsatisfied with their lives. This world can be a very difficult place to be. I think we have all felt like we have wanted our wounds mended, our souls healed, and to live in happiness. We also want these things for our loved ones. I absolutely hate to see my loved ones suffer for any reason. I hate to see them get their feelings hurt or feel unappreciated. I hate to see them feel any pain. I hate to see them feel even the slightest discomfort. I ran home last week to get my daughter’s sweatshirt because I hated the thought of her sitting in her classroom uncomfortable and cold.
What I am realizing is that God will allow our loved ones to walk through hard things. Our loved ones will not have a perfect life, just like we will not have a perfect life. It is in the struggles where we grow and learn to trust God in everything. When I try to step in and “save” my loved ones from walking through a hard thing, I am stepping out of God’s plan and trying to form my own plan. My loved ones don’t need me to rescue them from their struggles, they need to know that I am praying for them and asking God to draw them nearer to Him.
A few years ago, a family we knew was going through a big heartache and struggle. I told my mom that I just couldn’t get them out of my mind. It was so hard to fathom what they were going through. My mom wisely told me that the reason I couldn’t get them out of my mind was because God wanted me to lift them up to Him. Every time I thought of that family I should pray as hard as I could. That conversation has been in my mind quite a bit these last few years. My biggest defense against the struggles of my loved ones is to turn those people over to my Heavenly Father.
This world is full of hurting people. It can be very discouraging to feel like we can’t be there to help everyone. The idea that I can lift all of those people that enter my mind over to God gives me peace. I have really been enjoying Ann Voskamp’s Advent videos. The second week of Advent represents peace. Peace can sometimes be very elusive. We see all the headlines around us and it is hard to be peaceful when this world feels so broken. Ultimately, our only peace is resting in God through prayer.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Philippians 4:7
This holiday season I want to have peace by putting my cares where they belong, with God.
Dear Lord,
Please be with all of our loved ones this holiday season. Help them to feel your peace and bring them closer to you. Help them to feel your presence in their lives and help them to walk in your ways. Most of all, Lord, help them to feel your love for them, your perfect love.
We love you,
Amen