Cathartic Christmas
For many the time span from November 15th until the third week of the next new year will be the darkest time of their existence. Typically, this comes from a great hole left by loss. Loss can be many different things based on our individuality. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of material things, loss of a relationship, but ultimately sadness or deep emotional darkness comes from a much greater loss…. a loss of faith and with the loss of faith comes the loss of hope.
Faith is trusting in or having the confidence in that which cannot be seen and as a result you have a feeling of expectation to be able to desire, plan, dream…. Hope.
A relationship (friend or lover) did not turn out the way you had hoped so you then lost faith that any other relationship after would be even close to what you lost.
A job ended that you thought would be where you retired and now the future you hoped for seems to be out of reach. You are unable to dream or plan anymore.
A relative/friend you loved from the deepest depths of your heart went on to be with the Lord and you are too sad. Enjoying holidays or any day seem to be just a hopeless thought.
Most will cry, scream, become angry or bitter; some may even just isolate themselves from those who love them because they can no longer wait for life to “go their way”. All actions that are said to be cathartic. The word cathartic comes from the Greek word Kathairen which means to cleanse or purge. We all know that cleaning or purging even just our closets takes lots of time and patience. My friend, I know you have heard it a million times before, however, time does heal wounds. We think of it as actual time but what I mean when I say time is waiting on the Lord (that kind of time) brings restoration of another kind. If you are feeling like you have lost your faith and have no hope, I implore you to consider reading your bible as your guidebook to catharses. You can begin by reflecting on Ephesians 5:26.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Let me give you a little deeper interpretation of this scripture:
In order that He might free spiritually, emotionally by renewing of the soul (your heart, your spirit, your mind) and cleanse through the gift of Salvation (believing in your heart and speaking your acceptance) through Jesus.
When you are ready and willing to acknowledge and accept this so that you can wait on the Lord, you have resources to help you through the waiting such as your bible, your church, your Jesus loving-living circle of friends/family. Think of these valuable people and places as the scaffolds to your restoration process.
Before I go let me remind you of a few people who were not up for the task of waiting on the Lord and their outcomes that I read recently from a leader in ministry.
King Saul was unable to wait on the Lord. It cost him his kingdom.
Esau could not wait on the Lord. It cost him his birthright.
Even Abraham just could not wait on the Lord. Ishmael was the outcome of his impatience.
Waiting for your new season, your season of renewal, your season of restoration can be difficult and at times even emotionally and physically painful but trust in His Word and you will be blown away by His plan for you.
Wait for and confidently expect the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the LORD. Psalm 27:14
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We hope this song gives you encouragement: