It kind of hit me out of nowhere, this empty feeling. Like all of the joy and excitement had drained away like a tub of water. I expect it the day after Christmas. When December 26 rolls around, there has been such a building up of weeks of anticipation. The world looks different everywhere your eyes fall. Not just at home, but in the city, the lights are brighter, there is extra bustling, bells are ringing and holiday music plays softly in the background. In the country, dark winding roads are lit, with red and green lights strung on a lonely evergreen and dark soil has been draped in white blankets. So in the aftermath of crumpled paper, remains of food, and a tired looking tree I expect that sinking, somewhat weary, feeling.
But, it’s November 25th. We are just now embracing every part of this joyful time of year and yet, there it was. Staring me in the face. That feeling of my heart being deflated. I think sometimes we mentally prepare ourselves for something and that coupled with people covering us in prayer carries us through the obvious difficult times that may lie before us. But, there is always the day after. No matter what it is. The day after a holiday. The day after a special memory. The day after a family event. The day after some sort of climax in life. If we are not aware beloved, this is when the enemy loves to come calling. He loves to catch us unaware and breathe despair upon our hearts. Maybe this isn’t you. Maybe you have never experienced this “day after feeling”. If not then may you be aware that for so many people for so many different reasons, the ” day after” can be just as hard as the “day of”.
“Be alert and of sober mind, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8,9
“Stay alert with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us. ” Col. 4;2,3
How are we to handle this? What do we do when despair comes knocking or our spirits start to sink? We remember. We remember who our enemy is. Not the people that he uses to come against us, but the enemy himself. We stand firm in our faith. We remember who the God we serve is.
He is the Lion of Judah.
He is the Great I Am.
He is the beginning and the end.
He is the faithful one.
He is the light of the world.
and so much more…
We keep our eyes wide open in gratitude continuing to give thanks day by day, even moment by moment for all the ways he loves us.
We pray.
He continues to remind me that when all around me seems dark all he wants, is for me to take his hand and let him lead me gently forward. Won’t you take his hand beloved?
